Education Minnesota Foundation National Board Certified Teachers Scholarship
Offered by Education Minnesota Foundation
About This Scholarship
Education Minnesota, the state's merged NEA/AFT educators' union, funds scholarships and grants for its members through the Education Minnesota Foundation. Its National Board Certified Teachers Scholarship helps licensed teachers who are union members pay for National Board Certification, the profession's most respected advanced credential — a process that costs hundreds of dollars per component.
The scholarship pays up to $500 per certification component, with a maximum of $1,000 per applicant per school year, funded through a contribution from Tradition Mortgage. Preference goes to members going through the National Board Certification process for the first time, though teachers working to maintain an existing certification may also apply. Recipients do not need to have finished certification to win, but the foundation holds funds until proof of payment for the certification process is submitted.
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are due Friday, November 6, 2026 at 4 p.m. The foundation strongly encourages the online application, which requires a Google account for document uploads, though a PDF application is also accepted.
Eligibility
- Education Minnesota member licensed to teach in Minnesota
- Working toward National Board Certification (first-time candidates preferred; maintenance candidates may apply)
- Must not have requested reimbursement of the $5 assessment fee from the Foundation
- Scholarship funds are held until proof of payment for the certification process is submitted
How To Apply
- Go to the Education Minnesota Foundation grants and scholarships overview page
- Open the 2026-2027 National Board Certified Teachers Scholarship application (online version preferred; PDF accepted)
- Sign in with a Google account to upload supporting documents
- Submit by Friday, November 6, 2026 at 4 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the scholarship pay?
Up to $500 per National Board Certification component, capped at $1,000 per applicant per school year.
Do I have to finish certification before receiving the money?
No, but the foundation holds the scholarship until you submit proof of payment for the National Board Certification process.
Can I apply if I am renewing my certification?
Yes. Preference goes to first-time candidates, but members maintaining certification may also apply.