James Patterson Teacher Education Scholarships

The Patterson Family Foundation funds James Patterson Teacher Education Scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students that are studying education and are committed to teaching careers. FAU College of Education students who meet the eligibility requirements below are encouraged to apply.

To apply, submit a complete application packet either through email or hard copy to the Department of Curriculum & Instruction no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 23, 2023. Incomplete packets will not be considered. All students who apply for the scholarship will be notified of decisions as they are made.

Application Packet Checklist:

  • Completed application scholarship form.
  • Two-page (double-spaced) essay describing your goals and aspirations as a teacher who will be responsible for helping children develop a passion for reading.
  • Unofficial Transcripts

Additional Eligibility:

  • To be eligible, students must maintain full-time enrollment and expect to graduate no sooner than spring semester, 2024.
  • Students must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA.
  • Students must confirm with financial aid that they are able to receive the full award. $7,500 per academic year; $3,750 per semester.

Participation Information:

  • Awardees will participate in a one (1) hour learning community at least once each month in addition to your regular coursework.
  • Awardees may be eligible for a weekly specialized field placement of at least a half day designed to support your development as a teacher who helps children develop a passion for reading.
  • At the conclusion of the spring semester, 2024, awardees will prepare and submit a written report on practical and feasible ways to support reading practice in your community and how your experiences from this year contribute to your preparation to promote literacy. These reports will be shared with the donor.

Send your application and all supporting materials to the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at dci@fau.edu or deliver a hard copy to the department at the address below. Applications and all supplemental materials must be received no later than 5 p.m., Friday, September 23, 2023. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Department of Curriculum & Instruction
Florida Atlantic University
ED 355
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991

Interview, Selection, and Award Process:

  • Finalists will be announced as decisions are made and the initial meeting of the scholarship recipients will be held at a time/location to be determined.