Scholarship Opportunity

Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant

Offered by Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

The Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant provides financial assistance to Massachusetts public school paraprofessionals who are pursuing undergraduate teacher preparation programs leading to initial teacher licensure. The program is designed to reduce the financial burden of becoming a licensed teacher and help address teacher shortages in Massachusetts.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelCollege Freshman, College Sophomore, College Junior, College Senior, Adult Learner

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

2026–2027 Award Year

OpensApril 1, 2026
DeadlineTo Be Announced

Eligibility

  • Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year as of the start of the enrolled term, with an intent to remain in Massachusetts consistent with Board of Higher Education policy.
  • Meet applicable citizenship or Massachusetts state financial aid eligibility requirements.
  • Complete the FAFSA or another financial aid application authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.
  • Not be in default on applicable federal or state student loans or owe a refund for previously received financial aid.
  • Not have previously earned a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
  • Enroll full-time or part-time in an undergraduate degree program leading to teacher licensure at an eligible Massachusetts institution.
  • Be employed as a paraprofessional in a Massachusetts public school and continue that employment while enrolled in the approved teacher preparation program.
  • Generally have at least two years of employment as a paraprofessional in a Massachusetts public school.
  • Applicants with fewer than two years of paraprofessional employment may qualify if their undergraduate program leads to teacher certification in mathematics, science, special education, foreign languages, or bilingual education.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Requirements

  • Complete and submit the FAFSA.
  • Create or maintain a MASSAid Student Portal account.
  • Complete the Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant application in the MASSAid Student Portal.
  • Remain employed as a paraprofessional in a Massachusetts public school while enrolled in the approved teacher preparation program.
  • Sign the required Terms and Conditions Statement.
  • Complete the required post-graduation full-time teaching service in a Massachusetts public school.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

How to Apply

  1. 1Complete the FAFSA for the applicable academic year.
  2. 2Create a MASSAid Student Portal account if you do not already have one.
  3. 3Confirm that your undergraduate teacher preparation program leads to Massachusetts teacher licensure.
  4. 4Complete the Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant application in the MASSAid Student Portal.
  5. 5Provide any employment or eligibility documentation requested by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance.
  6. 6If awarded, sign the Terms and Conditions Statement outlining the required public-school teaching service.
  7. 7Continue working as a paraprofessional while completing the approved teacher preparation program.