Scholarships

Recognizing Excellence Through Scholarships

KDP proudly recognizes and celebrates members through multiple scholarships. Explore the opportunities below to learn more about eligibility and requirements. We welcome you to apply to those relevant to your current level of study, and we offer our sincere gratitude to the generous donors who have invested in educators and their future students through these scholarships!

Scholarships are a benefit for active paid members, except for the Louise Berman Fellow Award, which is also open to nonmembers. Our online scholarship applications consist of short answers, an essay on the scholarship’s prompt, unofficial transcripts, and a letter of reference.

Scholarship award money is to be used to advance the recipients’ studies and/or teaching careers. This can include tuition, student loans, curriculum books, technology, certification testing fees, student teaching expenses, and professional development conferences. Scholarship money will be awarded directly to the recipient. Recipients submit a survey to share the impact of the scholarship funds. The 2023–2024 scholarship application cycle is open, and all applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on April 30, 2024. 

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2022-2023 Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to our 2022–2023 recipients! Click here to see the full listing.

Teacher Scholarships

Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing K-12 educator in their first 3 years of teaching.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “What is the role of service in becoming a professional educator?” An additional document is required that describes your service to the chapter, community, and profession, and how your service made a difference.

Award

$1,500 for one recipient

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Available to one practicing educator in their first 5 years in the classroom.  

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “Describe how this scholarship will advance your evidence-based practices and professional development as a new teacher.”

Award

$1,100 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing educator dedicated to leadership and service in KDP. 

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “What are your professional and personal reasons for seeking leadership and service opportunities in KDP? How have your academic program(s) and experiences prepared you for such an endeavor?”

Award

$1,100 for one recipient

View Form

Undergraduate Scholarships

Available to one undergraduate student at a college or university in Texas, with a preference for the greater Houston area.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “Why do you want to be an educator?”

Award

$1,000 for one recipient

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Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing K–12 educator in their first 3 years of teaching.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "What is the role of service in becoming a professional educator?" An additional document is required that describes your service to the chapter, community, and profession, and how your service made a difference.

Award

$1,500 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student with a focus on Elementary Education and Common Core Standards, with students at a Louisiana college or university given preference; scholarship open to all KDP members.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "Briefly describe how you plan to implement the Common Core Standards using best practices and strategies for addressing the learning styles of each student."

Award

$1,000 for one recipient

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Available to one undergraduate student with a major in Elementary Education and/or Early Childhood Education.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “Upon graduation, you have been hired to teach students in a first- or second-grade self-contained classroom. Address your plan to develop your students’ reading abilities as well as their love of reading.” You are encouraged to integrate your philosophy of education into the plan as it relates to the experiences you will create in your classroom to accomplish these goals.

Award

$1,200 for one recipient

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Available to one undergraduate student in Elementary or Secondary Education at any college or university.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "Write a clear, thoughtful essay addressing the importance of coherent content planning to ensure excellent teaching in your particular area(s) of concentration."

Award

$1,300 for one recipient

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Available to two undergraduate or graduate students in Elementary Education.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "What life experiences have led you to study education, and how will those experiences influence your role as an elementary educator?" An additional statement is required, demonstrating financial need. A statement could include describing the gap between financial aid and tuition costs and/or family and employment hardships.

Award

$1,200 each for two recipients

View Form

Available to one undergraduate Education major with PK–12 emphasis who is a resident of Indiana or Ohio.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "Write an original essay that reflects your reasons for wanting to be a teacher (identify level—elementary, middle, high school, college, etc.) and indicate what professional challenges you expect to face upon the completion of your degree."

Award

$1,000 for one recipient

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Available to one undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Special Education. Graduate students must have an emphasis in dyslexia and/or autism.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “Discuss your approach to working with students with special needs, particularly dyslexia and autism.” Your response should include your tailored approach to communicating with students with special needs as well as their parents regarding learning progress, social interactions, and environmental adjustments.

Award

 $1,100 for one recipient

View Form

Available to two undergraduate student teachers.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “Write an essay that portrays your personal vision as an educator and how your student teaching experience influenced your future career goals.” An additional statement is required, demonstrating financial need. A statement could include describing the gap between financial aid and tuition costs and/or family and employment hardships.

Award

$600 for two recipients

View Form

Available to one undergraduate Elementary Education major with a science, math, or technology focus.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "Write an essay that portrays your personal vision as an educator and how you intend to make a difference in the general education of children and youth through science, math, or technology."

Award

$900 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student in Instrumental Music Education (band and/or orchestra).

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "Write an essay that portrays your personal vision as an educator and how you intend to make a difference in the musical and general education of children and youth."

Award

$1,300 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student in Elementary or Secondary Education.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "Write an original essay that reflects your reasons for wanting to be a teacher and indicate what professional challenges you expect to face upon the completion of your degree."

Award

$900 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student who writes a research paper based on issues that affect teachers and learning.

In lieu of an essay, please submit a research paper completed between May 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024, that was part of an undergraduate or graduate program in a recognized school or college of education. Papers will be considered based on the following criteria: significance of topic, adequacy, and appropriateness of methodology (especially those representing various methodologies, e.g., experimental, ethnographic, statistical, historical, survey), as well as writing clarity.

Award

$1,000 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student in Special Education.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "What are the challenges facing teachers working with students with special needs?"

Award

$1,200 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student in Education residing in Marion County, Indiana, and attending a college or university in Indiana.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "Write an original essay that reflects your reasons for wanting to be a teacher (identify level—elementary, middle, high school, college, etc.) and indicate what professional challenges you expect to face upon the completion of your degree."

Award

$800 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing educator dedicated to leadership and service in KDP.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "What are your professional and personal reasons for seeking leadership and service opportunities in KDP? How have your academic program(s) and experiences prepared you for such an endeavor?"

Award

$1,100 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student in Education.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "Write an original essay that reflects your reasons for wanting to be a teacher (identify level—elementary, middle, high school, college, etc.) and indicate what professional challenges you expect to face upon the completion of your degree."

Award

$1,200 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student in Education at Kent State University.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "Write an original essay that reflects your reasons for wanting to be a teacher (identify level—elementary, middle, high school, college, etc.) and indicate what professional challenges you expect to face upon the completion of your degree."

Award

$1,200 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate student at East Carolina University in Special Education or Middle Grades Education.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "Write an original essay that reflects your reasons for wanting to be a special education or middle grades teacher and indicate what professional challenges you expect to face upon the completion of your degree."

Award

$3,800 for one recipient

View Form

Master's Scholarships

Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing K–12 educator in their first 3 years of teaching.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “What is the role of service in becoming a professional educator?” An additional document is required, describing your service to the chapter, community, and profession, and how your service made a difference.

Award

$1,500 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student who writes a research paper based on issues that affect teachers and learning.

In lieu of an essay, please submit a research paper completed between May 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024, that was part of an undergraduate or graduate program in a recognized school or college of education. Papers will be considered based on the following criteria: significance of topic, adequacy, and appropriateness of methodology (especially those representing various methodologies, e.g., experimental, ethnographic, statistical, historical, survey.), as well as writing clarity.

Award

$1,000 for one recipient

View Form

Available to two undergraduate or graduate students in Elementary Education.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “What life experiences have led you to study education, and how will those experiences influence your role as an elementary educator?” An additional statement is required, demonstrating financial need. A statement could include describing the gap between financial aid and tuition costs and/or family and employment hardships.

Award

$1,200 for two recipients

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Special Education. Graduate students must have an emphasis in dyslexia and/or autism.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “Discuss your approach to working with students with special needs, particularly dyslexia and autism.” Your response should include your tailored approach to communicating with students with special needs as well as their parents regarding learning progress, social interactions, and environmental adjustments.

Award

 $1,100 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student in Special Education.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "What are the challenges facing teachers working with students with special needs?"

Award

$1,200 for one recipient 

View Form

Available to one graduate student in Curriculum and Instruction.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “What challenging demands and opportunities of the 21st century make a graduate degree program in the practices and policies of curriculum and teaching desirable?”

Award

$900 for one recipient

View Form

KDP is honored to serve as the endowment manager for the legacy of the Louise M. Berman Fellows Fund. Dr. Berman was a longtime member of KDP and an honored Laureate. Available to one graduate student at the master’s or doctoral level. Unlike the other scholarships, this award does not require KDP membership.

The purpose of this award is to advance curriculum, drive creative inquiry into the human condition, collaborate on cross-national education projects, and encourage personal growth. Preview Berman questions here.

Award

$1,700 for one recipient

Apply for Berman 

Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing educator dedicated to leadership and service in KDP.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "What are your professional and personal reasons for seeking leadership and service opportunities in KDP? How have your academic program(s) and experiences prepared you for such an endeavor?"

Award

$1,100 for one recipient

View Form

View Form

Doctoral Scholarships

Available to one doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development and implementation of curriculum in schools and the scholarly extension of curriculum as a field of study?”

Award

$1,000 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Instructional Leadership at the University of Florida only.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development of instructional leadership and the scholarly extension of curriculum as a field of study?"

Award

$7,400 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Multicultural Education.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "How do you believe your doctoral program will enable you to impact the practical and theoretical development of more appropriate and responsible educational programs for students in multicultural settings and with multicultural content, as well as to contribute to the scholarly development of multicultural education as a field of study?"

Award

$1,800 for one recipient

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Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing K–12 educator in their first 3 years of teaching.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "What is the role of service in becoming a professional educator?" An additional document is required that describes your service to the chapter, community, and profession, and how your service made a difference.

Award

$1,500 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student who writes a research paper based on issues that affect teachers and learning.

In lieu of an essay, please submit a research paper completed between May 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024, that was part of an undergraduate or graduate program in a recognized school or college of education. Papers will be considered based on the following criteria: significance of topic, adequacy, and appropriateness of methodology (especially those representing various methodologies, e.g., experimental, ethnographic, statistical, historical, survey.), as well as writing clarity.

Award

$1,000 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in International and Comparative Education.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "What impact do you see yourself having in the area of international and/or comparative education upon the completion of your doctoral degree?"

Award

$1,800 for one recipient

View Form

Available to two undergraduate or graduate students in Elementary Education.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “What life experiences have led you to study education, and how will those experiences influence your role as an elementary educator?” An additional statement is required, demonstrating financial need. A statement could include describing the gap between financial aid and tuition costs and/or family and employment hardships.

Award

$1,200 for two recipients

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Educational Administration.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development of substantively improved programs in schools, as well as extend the scholarly attention of this field to educational administration and policy analysis and development?"

Award

$1,300 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development and implementation of curriculum in schools and the scholarly extension of curriculum as a field of study?”

Award

$3,200 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Special Education. Graduate students must have an emphasis in dyslexia and/or autism.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “Discuss your approach to working with students with special needs, particularly dyslexia and autism.” Your response should include your tailored approach to communicating with students with special needs as well as their parents regarding learning progress, social interactions, and environmental adjustments.

Award

 $1,100 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one graduate student in Curriculum and Instruction.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: “What challenging demands and opportunities of the 21st century make a graduate degree program in the practices and policies of curriculum and teaching desirable?”

Award

$900 for one recipient

View Form

KDP is honored to serve as the endowment manager for the legacy of the Louise M. Berman Fellows Fund. Dr. Berman was a longtime member of KDP and an honored Laureate. Available to one graduate student at the master’s or doctoral level. Unlike the other scholarships, this award does not require KDP membership.

The purpose of this award is to advance curriculum, drive creative inquiry into the human condition, collaborate on cross-national education projects, and encourage personal growth. Preview Berman questions here.

Award

$1,700 for one recipient

Apply for Berman 

Available to one undergraduate or graduate student in Special Education.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "What are the challenges facing teachers working with students with special needs?"

Award

$1,200 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Curriculum Studies or Educational Psychology.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "What is the relationship between the fields of Curriculum Studies and Educational Psychology?" An additional requirement of teaching experience, preferably at the secondary level, is needed.

Award

$2,100 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction.

Please choose one of the following prompts (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) on which to focus your essay:

  • If the focus is on Curriculum Development, the general essay topic is, "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development and implementation of curriculum in schools and the scholarly extension of curriculum as a field of study?"
  • If the focus is Social Studies Education, the question is, "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practice and theoretical development and implementation of social studies programs in schools and the scholarly extension of social studies education as a field of study?"
  • If the focus is on Curriculum History, the essay question is, "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree advance understanding of the historical development of the American school curriculum (in general or in a special curricular field) within a particular chronology and context?"

Award

$2,500 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Childhood Education.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development of childhood education and the scholarly extension of curriculum as a field of study?"

Award

$1,400 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student, or practicing educator dedicated to leadership and service in KDP.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "What are your professional and personal reasons for seeking leadership and service opportunities in KDP? How have your academic program(s) and experiences prepared you for such an endeavor?"

Award

$1,100 for one recipient

View Form

Available to one doctoral student in Educational Evaluation and Technology.

The essay prompt (no more than 750 words, 3,800 characters) is: "How will your pursuit of a doctoral degree impact the practical and theoretical development of the policies and techniques of (a) educational evaluation or (b) educational technology, as well as the scholarly extension of this area as a field of study?"

Award

$900 for one recipient

View Form

Scholarship FAQs

Do I need to be an active paid member to apply?

Yes. Scholarships except the Louise M. Berman Fellows Award are a benefit for active paid KDP members.

When are scholarships offered?

We offer scholarships once per year in the spring. The 2023–2024 scholarship application portal is open and will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 30, 2024. Scholarship recipients will be notified by July 1, 2024.

Which scholarships do I qualify for?

You may apply for scholarships under your current level of study and/or practice. For example, a senior undergraduate student graduating in May is eligible for undergraduate opportunities. A P-12 teacher who is also earning a master’s degree may apply for both practicing teacher opportunities and master's opportunities. 

Students pursuing Alternative Certification or Education Specialist degrees are eligible for master’s scholarship opportunities. Students in an accelerated or 5th year bachelor’s plus master’s program are eligible for undergraduate awards through their 4th year and master’s awards in their 5th year.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships?

Yes, you may apply for as many scholarships for which you qualify. Only one application per individual may be submitted for each scholarship opportunity, and a member may only receive one scholarship per cycle. If an individual is the top candidate in multiple opportunities, they will be awarded the scholarship with the largest financial award.

Can I see the application questions in advance?

You may download a copy of the scholarship questions here to prepare and save a copy of your answers. Download a copy of the Berman questions here. It is highly recommended that you prepare all your materials ahead of time so you can successfully submit your online applications without the website timing out or any other technical difficulties.

What are acceptable formats for my documents to upload?

We request documents be PDF or Word doc file types.

Do you require official transcripts?

No, unofficial transcripts are accepted. Undergraduate and graduate student applications should include a current transcript(s) of all college work completed to date. Doctoral-level applications should include an approved program prospectus or course of study. Please note that a delay may occur in requesting this information from your institution, which you need to plan for when completing your online application.

Who should write my letter of reference?

At least one reference letter (given to student for submittal) should be included per application. If you are a member of a KDP chapter, you may provide a reference letter, signed by your Chapter Counselor, education professor, or program advisor, noting either (a) your participation in the chapter, particularly the scope of involvement and leadership positions; or (b) your potential as a teacher leader and a contributing scholar. If you attend an institution with no active KDP chapter, you may provide a reference letter signed by an education professor, program advisor, or dissertation supervisor that attests to your potential as a scholarly professional educator and notes the type and extent of your involvement in leadership roles held in your graduate program and/or your teaching in supervisory positions. If you are a doctoral scholarship applicant, you may provide a reference letter signed by your faculty dissertation supervisor/advisor that attests to your scholarly and professional potential and how your research fills a void in currently available research. If you have been admitted to a doctoral program but have not established a dissertation supervisor, a reference letter can be submitted from a previous graduate program advisor.

Are KDP Scholarships open to students who are not US citizens, such as undocumented or international students?

Yes. Current student members at a US college or university are eligible without regard to citizenship status.

Where can I find the application I want to apply to?

After logging into your KDP account and hitting the “Apply or Revise a Scholarship” button under “My Engagement,” the scholarships are organized into categories of 1. Undergraduate Scholarships, 2. Graduate Scholarships, 3. Doctoral Scholarships, 4. Practicing Educator Scholarships, 5. Drummond Scholarship, 6. Hostetler Scholarship, 7. Marsh Scholarship, and 8. Shaw Scholarship.

Who do I contact if I have further questions about applying?

Please reach out to Thomas Ulmet at thomas@kdp.org.