Inspired to Teach (Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program)
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE)
Up to $5,500 in scholarships for full-time teacher-education majors, then up to $4,000 a year for five years ($20,000) for teaching in an Oklahoma public school.
- How much
- Up to $5,500 in tiered scholarships ($1,000 / $1,000 / $1,000 / $2,500) plus up to $4,000 per year of teaching for five years (up to $20,000)
- Who qualifies
- Full-time undergraduate in an accredited Oklahoma teacher education program (or articulated community college program); 2.5 GPA and SAP; agree to teach five consecutive years in an Oklahoma public PK-12 school. The program pages don't state a residency requirement.
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- For education, teacher education students
- When to apply
- Apply any time Apply any time (one application covers the whole undergraduate career); OSRHE sets a guaranteed-award date each semester shortly after enrollment lock-in (fall 2026: Sept 21).
- How to apply
- Apply once through okscholartrek.org and work with your institution's Inspired to Teach coordinator
- Applications are accepted any time
- For fall 2026, applications in by September 21 were guaranteed an award, and later ones are processed as received
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (secure.okcollegestart.org) and page 2
The details
Created in 2022 (HB 3564, amended 2023) to address the teacher shortage. Scholarship: full-time (12+ hours) undergraduates in an accredited Oklahoma teacher education program (public or private university), or at a community college with an approved articulation agreement, with SAP and a 2.5 GPA. Tiered awards: Tier I (12 hours enrolled) $1,000; Tier II (24-47 hours earned) $1,000; Tier III (48-89 hours) $1,000; Tier IV (90+ hours, final year) $2,500 — up to $5,500 total; one tier per academic year; no summer awards. Before entry, students agree to finish the program and teach in an Oklahoma public PK-12 school for five consecutive years after licensure. Employment incentive: participants who received at least one scholarship payment, graduate, get standard certification and start teaching in an Oklahoma public school within 13 months of graduating receive up to $4,000 after each year of teaching for up to five years (up to $20,000). OSRHE says there is currently no payback provision.
More money from Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Rising Scholars Award (formerly Academic Scholars Program)Per year, entry year 2026 automatic qualifiers: $24,000 (research universities), $13,000 (regional), $12,500 (community/two-year colleges); institutional nominees: $4,000 / $3,200 / $3,000; plus a tuition waiver at public colleges
- State Regents Workforce Ready ScholarshipOne-time: $7,000 (research institutions), $5,000 (regional), $3,000 (two-year)
- Chiropractic Education Scholarship ProgramUp to $6,000 per year (varies with appropriation)
- Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship$3,500 per year plus a resident tuition waiver
- Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG)The lesser of 75% of enrollment costs or up to $1,500 (community colleges and career tech centers), $2,000 (regional universities), $3,000 (research universities) per year
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
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