William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship 2026 – Investing in Diverse Educators

Scholarship Description

The William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship is a state-funded program designed to encourage talented minority students in Indiana to pursue careers in education. Named in honor of William A. Crawford, a former Indiana State Representative and educator, the scholarship aims to increase the number of minority teachers in Indiana's public schools, helping to create a more diverse and representative educator workforce.

The scholarship provides financial assistance to minority students who are enrolled in or accepted to an approved teacher education program at an eligible Indiana college or university. Recipients must commit to teaching in an Indiana public or accredited private school upon graduation, helping to address the critical need for diverse educators in the state. The program is administered by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is available to students attending eligible Indiana colleges and universities that offer approved teacher education programs. Recipients are required to teach in Indiana upon graduation.

Scholarship Deadline

Application deadlines for the William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship are typically set annually by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. Students are advised to check the official CHE website for current deadline information.

Host Organization

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) administers the William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship. The CHE is the state agency responsible for coordinating Indiana's postsecondary education system, including financial aid programs, policy development, and data collection.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Undergraduate students enrolled in or accepted to an approved teacher education program.

Fields: All teaching licensure areas are eligible. The scholarship is specifically designed for students who will become licensed teachers in Indiana's public or accredited private schools.

Target Group

The scholarship targets minority students who are Indiana residents pursuing a teaching career. The program is designed to increase diversity in Indiana's educator workforce and encourage minority students to enter the teaching profession.

Scholarship Amount

Award Amount: Up to $4,000 per year.

Duration: Renewable for up to 4 years of undergraduate study, subject to continued eligibility and funding availability.

Scholarship Criteria: Awards are based on:

• Academic achievement – maintained GPA requirements
• Financial need – as determined by the FAFSA
• Commitment to teaching – dedication to pursuing a career in education
• Minority status – must be a member of a minority group

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Residency: Must be a resident of Indiana.
• Minority status: Must be a member of a minority group (African American, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American, etc.).
• Enrollment: Must be enrolled in or accepted to an approved teacher education program at an eligible Indiana college or university.
• Academic standing: Must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution.
• FAFSA: Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Teaching commitment: Must commit to teaching in an Indiana public or accredited private school after graduation.

Service obligation: Recipients must teach in Indiana for a period of time equal to the number of years they received the scholarship (up to 4 years).

Application Procedure

1. Check eligibility – Ensure you meet all requirements: Indiana residency, minority status, enrollment in a teacher education program, and commitment to teach in Indiana.
2. Complete the FAFSA – Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to demonstrate financial need.
3. Visit the official website – Go to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education website to access the application when it opens.
4. Complete the online application – Submit the William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship application through the CHE portal.
5. Submit by the deadline – Ensure your application is submitted by the published deadline.
6. Award notification – Successful applicants are notified by the Commission for Higher Education.
7. Complete service obligation – Teach in an Indiana public or accredited private school after graduation for the required period.

Important notes: The scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible applicants. Funding is limited, so early application is encouraged. Recipients must maintain academic progress to continue receiving the scholarship.

Official Website & Application Links

Indiana Commission for Higher Education – William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship

Contact: Indiana Commission for Higher Education – Student Financial Aid

Phone: Available on the CHE website.