Purpose
The Swanson Scholarship for Secondary Education Majors was established by Sharon Swanson in 2020 to provide financial support for students pursuing a secondary education major in the College of Arts and Sciences. Sharon graduated from ISU in 1969 with a B.S. in Education and in 1970 with an M.S. in School Psychology. Her now deceased husband, Harold (Bud), graduated from ISU in 1963 with a B.S. in Education and in 1966 with an M.S. in School Psychology. Recognizing the great value that teachers play as inspirational role models, the scholarship is primarily interested in promoting the value of men and people of color who pursue teaching as a noble profession. Preference will be given to students with demonstrated financial need who are an incoming freshman or a senior who is beginning student teaching. Applicants must submit a short essay (max. 300 words) describing the importance and value of diversity, including men and persons of color, in the teaching profession.
Selection Process and Criteria
Students applying for the Swanson Scholarship must meet the following criteria:
- Students pursuing a secondary teacher education degree in one of the disciplines in the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Preference given to student with demonstrated financial need.
- Applicant must provide a short essay (max. 300 words) describing the importance and value of diversity, including men and persons of color, in the teaching profession.
- Student may be an incoming freshman or a senior who is beginning student teaching.
- A scholarship ($5000) will be awarded for the following term: one-time award. Recipients are eligible to reapply provided they meet all other criteria.
Applications for the 2023-2024 school year are due to the College of Arts and Sciences office by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2023. Scholarships will be awarded after the 10th day of the start of fall semester 2023. You must be enrolled as a full-time student in the fall to be awarded a scholarship. Applications can be submitted to cas@ilstu.edu with the name of the scholarship in the subject line or by bringing a copy to Room 141 in Stevenson Hall.