Giving Tuesday 2024

Please join other supporters in contributing to the College of Education Dean’s Endowed Student Teaching Scholarship. Your gift will have the potential to change lives by building on a permanent source of support for student teachers. 

The Dean’s Endowed Scholarship was created in 2015 by College of Education Distinguished Alumna Marnos Lelesi to support future teachers through small donations that create a sizable endowment when collected together.

More than $118,000 has been raised to support this endowment since 2015. Including this year, the endowment has distributed a total of $23,598 to thirteen students since the first distribution in 2017. 

The Dean’s Endowed Scholarship was awarded to two students this academic year, Natalie and Monica. 

“Thank you so much for the scholarship. This scholarship means a lot to me because I feel that somebody believes in me.”  Monica, Dean’s Endowed Student Teaching Scholarship Recipient

“As I begin my student teaching this fall, I look forward to establishing those meaningful classroom connections and unforgettable learning experiences. This scholarship will not only relieve me of some of the financial load that comes with student teaching but allow me to focus more on the work that I will be encountering.”  Natalie, Dean’s Endowed Student Teaching Scholarship Recipient

Tuition for a teaching credential is now $4,178 per semester. Even without factoring in living expenses, transportation, books, test fees, a family… it’s easy to see how the cost of a credential, especially during student teaching, can derail even the most dedicated future teacher.  

This endowment has given significant support to student teachers; but our work isn’t done! We need to continue to grow this permanent source of annual funding to keep up with rising costs and to make sure our future teachers have what they need to become great teachers, no matter their circumstances.  We are proud that we created this endowment and with your support, that we can increase our giving to student teachers for generations to come.    

Support College of Education Scholarships and make a difference in the lives of future educators!