You may apply for the scholarship at any time. If you have a start date in mind, you will want to apply as early as possible. For consideration for fall semester, applications must be received no later than July 1; for spring semester no later than November 1; and for summer no later than April 1.  If we are unable to award a scholarship for your desired semester, you will have the option of remaining in the queue for a future award or re-applying at a later date.

This is not advised as it is financially risky. If you begin courses and then are found ineligible for a scholarship or your scholarship cannot be awarded for that particular semester due to funding constraints, you will need to fully cover the expenses.

We suggest you discuss this with a T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Counselor.

Some questions to keep in mind include:

• What educational and professional goals do you have, both short and long-term?
• Is this your first experience taking college courses? Would you prefer taking a few courses to check your comfort level, or are you prepared to make a longer commitment?
• Do you prefer courses that provide instruction in how to work with the age group you are currently supporting or would you like to explore new areas of training?
• Do you have a goal of achieving either a two-year associate’s degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree?
• Do you hope to attend a school that is located in your area, or would you consider taking on-line or correspondence courses?
• What type of class format do you prefer: lecture, discussion or hands-on practice?

No, but scholarships can be renewed.  If you are interested in continuing on scholarship after you finish your current contract, contact your Scholarship Counselor to discuss how to renew your scholarship.

You do not need a Wisconsin Registry certificate to apply for a scholarship, but if you are on a Credential Scholarship Model, you will need to be on The Wisconsin Registry in order to complete the credentialing process. We highly recommend, however, that all T.E.A.C.H. scholars get on The Wisconsin Registry. One advantage is that a Wisconsin Registry certificate allows you to participate in programs like the REWARD Wisconsin Stipend Program.

For information on getting a certificate, contact The Wisconsin Registry at 608-222-1123 or email support@wiregistry.org.

Most T.E.A.C.H. contracts require scholarship recipients to continue working in their current setting or another regulated child care program for a specific length of time after completing the scholarship. The amount of time varies by scholarship model. Be sure you are aware of and understand this commitment period before signing the contract.

Release time is paid time for a scholarship recipient to be away from or “released” from the workplace to engage in coursework or to balance work, family, and school responsibilities. Scholarships recipients and their sponsoring programs are advised to plan for this time at the beginning of each semester. Sponsoring programs are reimbursed for the release time as outlined in the T.E.A.C.H. contract.

Yes. We advise, however, that you budget carefully before making this decision. Our online cost calculator may useful in planning for multiple recipients.

Yes. If you withdraw from your contract while engaged in coursework, you are responsible for any balances due, including your share of tuition for courses in which you are currently enrolled. T.E.A.C.H. would not reimburse you for expenditures you incurred in that semester, and you would no longer be eligible for the bonus from T.E.A.C.H. and the raise or bonus from your center. The circumstances of your withdrawal determine when/if you are eligible to reapply for another scholarship.

If you withdraw from your contract while in your commitment period, you would not be eligible to reapply for a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship until the date the commitment period would have been completed.

Finally, after a second withdrawal from a T.E.A.C.H. contract, there will be a 3-year wait period before you may reapply for the scholarship.

Depending on the question, it may be T.E.A.C.H., your college, or The Registry. If in doubt, start with T.E.A.C.H. or your scholarship counselor, if you have one.

Contact T.E.A.C.H. at 800-783-9322 option 3 or find more info following the links on this site.

For questions regarding course information (e.g. enrollment, billing, withdrawal, transcripts, financial aid) contact your college first and then T.E.A.C.H.

For questions regarding portfolio, commission process and dates, course curriculum approval for credentials, approval of coursework previously taken, annual faculty training, curriculum updates, and application information for PDAS, contact The Wisconsin Registry at 608-222-1123.