New future teachers $22,000 scholarship created at Saint Francis University

Saint Francis University Introduces New $22,000 Scholarship to Support Future Teachers

As schools across Pennsylvania and the nation face a growing need for qualified teachers, Saint Francis University is deepening its commitment to preparing the next generation of educators by establishing the Saint Francis Future Teachers Scholarship.

The new scholarship reflects the University's Catholic, Franciscan mission of service and its belief that education can transform lives and communities. It is designed to make an undergraduate degree more accessible and to encourage talented students to answer the call to teach.

The Saint Francis Future Teachers Scholarship will provide eligible first-year education majors with $22,000 in additional support ($5,500 per year) for four years of undergraduate study.

Provided in addition to existing merit scholarships and other eligible financial aid, the award can significantly reduce the cost of an SFU education, bringing it closer to that of many public institutions while offering the personal attention and distinctive experience of a Catholic, Franciscan university. Students will be considered automatically upon submitting a complete application to Saint Francis University.

"At a time when schools and communities urgently need dedicated teachers, Saint Francis University is investing in students who feel called to teach and serve others," said Father Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D., University President. "This scholarship advances our mission by preparing future educators to be agents of positive change-equipped to lead with compassion, serve with purpose, and carry Saint Francis University's values into their classrooms, schools, and communities."

Saint Francis University has long been known for the quality of its graduate education program and its commitment to developing accomplished, compassionate educators. The Saint Francis Future Teachers Scholarship extends that commitment by providing a stronger financial pathway for students beginning their undergraduate studies.

Through rigorous coursework, practical classroom experiences, and personal guidance from experienced faculty, Saint Francis education students are prepared to become capable professionals and thoughtful leaders. The University's close-knit learning environment helps students develop the skills to meet schools' evolving needs while remaining grounded in the Franciscan values of compassion, humility, generosity, and service.

The scholarship is partially funded by the Susan Dreyer McCormick ('75) Education Scholars Program. For many years, Susan taught elementary education in the Southeast Delco (PA) School District and tutored for the Delaware County (PA) Intermediate Unit. Her love of teaching and reading, and her legacy of kindness to all, inspired her husband, William, to establish this endowed program in her memory. Beyond their annual scholarship, recipients receive priority consideration for two one-time stipends: $1,000 to help offset student-teaching expenses and $500 to cover teacher certification exams, textbooks, or other program-related costs.

This additional assistance helps reduce some of the out-of-pocket costs students incur while completing their degrees and preparing to enter the teaching profession.

By investing in future teachers, Saint Francis University directly addresses a critical workforce need while supporting its mission to educate students who will serve and lead in their communities with purpose.

Once enrolled, recipients of the Saint Francis Future Teachers Scholarship will work with the Education Department to access additional stipends through the Susan Dreyer McCormick Education Scholars Program. These funds will provide targeted support as students progress through their studies, complete student-teaching experiences, and prepare for teacher certification.

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