Online Staff Report

Deadlines are approaching for the Blanche J. Martin Scholarship Fund (April 15, 2012) and the Winnebago County Retired Teachers Association (WCRTA) Foundation Grant (June 1, 2012). Funding opportunities are extended to future educators and those planning to pursue a master degree in education at an accredited college or university. The WCRTA members are anxious to “give back” to the community by awarding these scholarships/grants for teachers.

The Blanche J. Martin Scholarship was established by local outstanding educator Blanche J. Martin. She died in 2007, leaving to the WCRTA an endowment to be used for scholarships. Applicants must live in Winnebago County. These two $3,000 scholarships are open for application to the following candidates:

• High school seniors enrolling in college this fall and declaring an elementary education major (K-9).

• College students enrolled in an elementary education teacher’s program as a freshman, sophomore or junior

• College students who are seniors, graduating and planning to pursue a master’s degree in elementary education

• College graduates who are seeking a master’s degree in teaching elementary education

College students can attend any college or university in the United States and must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Deadline to apply is April 15, 2012.

The Winnebago County Retired Teachers Association (WCRTA) provides a $500 teacher-training grant to a student entering the junior or senior year in a secondary education teacher certification program (grades 7-12). The college need not be just in the state of Illinois. The applicant should have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Application deadline is June 1, 2012. Applications may be picked up at the Regional Office of Education, 300 Heart Blvd., Loves Park, IL 61111. Eligibility is defined clearly on the application forms. Questions may be directed to Tom McCullough by calling (815) 636-3060. WCRTA will be awarding these scholarships and grants at the June 2012 membership meeting.

Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA): A regional foundation grant of $1,500 may be applied for online at www.4ROE.ORG ^[1]. Students apply prior to their junior or senior year in college. They must be enrolled in an accredited teacher training program for this region, either in state or out of state. They must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applications must be postmarked by 3/7/2012 with recipient notification by 4/21/2012.

Posted March 21, 2012