Grow Your Own Teacher Scholarship
The Grow Your Own Teacher Scholarship is a state-funded scholarship opportunity that supports Educational Assistants as they complete a teacher preparation program that results in a NM teaching license. The UNM College of Education & Human Sciences (COEHS) is a proud partner of this new scholarship opportunity.
What is it? GYOT provides eligible Educational Assistants:
- A Pathway – for those who do not have licensure, but want to become a NM teacher
- Must be previously or currently employed as an Educational Assistant at a New Mexico public school for at least 2 years
- Funding – up to $6,000 per year*, with a 5-year maximum
- Professional Leave – State-mandated leave from the district
Am I eligible?
Students that are interested in this opportunity must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen and a NM resident
- Previously or currently employed as an Educational Assistant at a New Mexico public school for at least 2 years
- Must be in good standing with the school district
- Have not earned appropriate educational credentials to be licensed as a teacher
- Enrolled at least half-time in a teacher licensure program during the semester for which you are seeking funding
Graduate students must be enrolled in at least one course required for licensure during the semester for which they are seeking funding - Current students: making satisfactory academic progress (SAP)
- For best consideration, students are encouraged to fill out a FAFSA as soon as you are able to. Use the UNM Code: 002663."
- If you receive funding, current and previous Educational Assistants must complete a verification form informing your district of your participation in a COEHS teacher preparation program.
- New students: apply to UNM and meet the admission requirements and apply to a designated COEHS program.
Please note: Students are eligible for funding for 2 continuous semesters. Which may include:
- Fall/Spring
- Spring/Summer
- Summer/Fall
Important Notice
As of Spring 2024, there are no ADDITIONAL funds to award for the GYOT Scholarship. No applications will be accepted at this time.
What if I applied and received funds in Spring 2024?
If you received funds in Spring 2024, you do not need to reapply at this time. If you maintain eligibility as listed on this page and continue to have unmet need, you will automatically receive funds.
For general information, please contact cssss@unm.edu (Center for Student Success Support Services).
Eligible Programs
Undergraduate:
- Family & Child Studies – Early Childhood Multicultural Education with Licensure
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Physical Education
- Special Education
- Art Education
- Music Education
Graduate:
- Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education with K-8 Licensure
- Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education with 7-12 Licensure
- Special Education with Alternative Licensure
GYOT is brand new and may still be in flux. Because of this, we ask that prospective students please note there can be changes to this scholarship opportunity. COEHS will do its best to communicate these changes once the state has notified us of any updates.
