Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program Application Guide 2026

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Key Metric	Details
Award Name	Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program
Host Sponsor / Organization	West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC)
Eligible Nationalities	U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or valid EAD / Work Permit holders
Target Student Level	High School Seniors and recent High School Graduates (First-Time Freshmen)
Financial Coverage	Up to $10,000 per year (Renewable for up to 4 years; $40,000 total)
Minimum GPA Requirement	3.25 unweighted cumulative high school GPA
Application Deadline	March 1 (Annual Preliminary Application)
Official Website	CFWV.com – Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars

Overview & Value

The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program in USA is a premier, service-based financial award designed to address critical teacher shortages across West Virginia public schools. Sponsored by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC), this stackable grant supplies ambitious future educators with up to $10,000 annually toward full-time college expenses, including tuition, standard room and board, books, and required fees.

Because the scholarship can be renewed for up to four consecutive academic years, recipients can secure up to $40,000 in total financial aid. Beyond generous college funding, scholars are paired directly with expert teacher mentors to assist them through their degree path and early career transition.

In exchange for this funding, scholars sign an agreement promising to teach full-time in a West Virginia public school for five consecutive years post-graduation in a designated critical-need field: Math, Science, Elementary Education, or Special Education.

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Nationality & Residency Requirements

To qualify, candidates must satisfy explicit citizenship and residency guidelines:

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Status: You must be a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD/work permit) issued by USCIS.
Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program international student requirements: International students studying under non-immigrant visas (such as F-1 or J-1 student visas) are not eligible for this grant unless they hold official USCIS employment authorization or qualifying resident status.
State Residency: Out-of-state applicants are fully eligible! The scholarship is open to high school seniors across all 50 U.S. states. You do not need to be a West Virginia resident to apply, provided you attend an eligible in-state college and fulfill the post-graduation teaching commitment.

Academic & Eligibility Standards

Before applying, confirm that you meet every academic benchmark for Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program eligibility for undergraduate students:

Student Classification: You must be a graduating high school senior or recent graduate who has never previously enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a college or university. Transfer students and currently enrolled college undergraduates are not eligible.
Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program GPA requirement: Applicants must present a minimum cumulative unweighted high school GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.
Standardized Test Score Thresholds:
- Math & Science Candidates: Minimum ACT scores of 21 in Math and 18 in English, or SAT scores of 530 in Math and 480 in Evidenced-Based Reading & Writing.
- Elementary & Special Education Candidates: Minimum ACT scores of 19 in Math and 18 in English, or SAT scores of 510 in Math and 480 in Evidenced-Based Reading & Writing.
Qualifying Degree Paths: Scholars must enroll full-time at an eligible West Virginia four-year public or non-profit institution in a recognized teacher preparation program. Eligible majors are strictly restricted to:
- Secondary Mathematics
- Secondary Science
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
Service Contract Commitment: Candidates must commit to working full-time under contract with a West Virginia county board of education for five years following college graduation. (Failure to fulfill this service requirement converts the scholarship into an interest-bearing loan).

Application Materials Needed

To build a competitive application package, gather the following documentation ahead of time:

Official High School Transcripts: Displaying your cumulative high school GPA through senior year.
Official Standardized Test Scores: Verified ACT or SAT score reports sent to the program review board.
Completed FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid must be submitted during the application window.
Second-Round Application Forms: Details on extracurricular activities, community service, and academic achievements (submitted by invitation after Round 1).
Finalist Video Submission: A short 3- to 5-minute video detailing your passion for teaching, past background, and professional ambitions in West Virginia public education.

Step-by-Step How to Apply

Follow these action steps during the 2026–2027 cycle to complete your submission prior to the official Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program application deadline:

1. Submit Preliminary Application
   └─ Complete the online form on CFWV.com between October 1 and the March 1 deadline.

2. Complete the FAFSA
   └─ File your FAFSA online to verify basic financial aid processing.

3. Complete Second-Round Application
   └─ If pre-qualified, submit additional academic records and extracurricular details when invited.

4. Upload Finalist Video & Attend Summit
   └─ Finalists submit a 3-5 minute passion video and attend the Student Success Summit in Charleston, WV.

Step 1: Submit the Preliminary Application

The preliminary portal opens annually on October 1. Complete the basic online registration form at CFWV.com before the March 1 deadline. This grants the state financial aid division permission to view your electronic transcripts and test scores.

Step 2: File Your FAFSA

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after it opens. All Underwood-Smith applicants must have an active FAFSA on file to process state awards.

Step 3: Complete the Second-Round Invitation Form

Qualified Round 1 candidates receive an invitation to submit a detailed background form highlighting leadership achievements, community volunteering, and academic success.

Step 4: Submit Your Video & Interview

Selected finalists record a 3- to 5-minute video answering prompt questions about why they want to become professional educators in West Virginia. Winners receive notice by May and attend an orientation summit in Charleston, WV.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: Can international students apply for the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program?

No. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or hold valid USCIS work permits (EAD). Students residing on standard international student visas (F-1) do not satisfy state citizenship criteria.

2: Is the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program renewable for all 4 years of undergraduate study?

Yes. Scholars receive up to $10,000 per year for up to 4 consecutive undergraduate years ($40,000 total), provided they maintain full-time enrollment and a cumulative 3.0 college GPA.

3: What is the minimum GPA required to qualify for the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program?

High school applicants need a minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale to enter the program. Once in college, scholars must maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA to keep their renewable funding intact.

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Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program Application Guide USA 2026–2027: Requirements & Deadline