Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

Accepting Applications

About the Scholarship

Opens: 10/1/2026

Closes: 3/1/2027

The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program is available to high school seniors and recent high school graduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, science, elementary education, or special education through an approved teacher preparation program. Students who attend an eligible West Virginia college or university and plan to become teachers in West Virginia are eligible to apply.

Win up to

$40,000

Essay Required: No
Need-Based: No
Merit-Based: Yes
Website

Requirements

Minimum 3.25 GPA, a minimum ACT score of 18 in English and 21 in math, or SAT score of 480 in evidence-based reading and writing and 530 in math for students pursuing math or science teaching; or a minimum ACT score of 18 in English and 19 in math, or SAT score of 480 in evidence-based reading and writing and 510 in math for students pursuing elementary or special education teaching

Resident of West Virginia

High school senior or recent graduate

High school graduate

Seeking a bachelor's degree

Planning to attend school in West Virginia

Plan to pursue a teaching careers in West Virginia

Participation in community service or extracurricular activities