Loan Forgiveness for Culturally Diverse Education Students

As Vermont's population becomes more culturally diverse, it is important that the teachers in our public schools reflect that diversity. Formerly known as Coming Home, the Vermont Teacher Diversity Scholarship Program has been developed to recruit and train talented teachers from diverse backgrounds. VTDSP is a loan cancellation program to support students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds who wish to become teachers in the Vermont public school system.

Through the project, successful candidates apply independently to one of our partner institutions of higher education and complete all requirements for a teaching license. They apply for teaching positions in and around the state and, if hired, agree to teach for a minimum of one year. We also accept applications from prospective teachers who are going through the State of Vermont Peer Review process.

At present, we have a total of twenty Scholars representing the Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Montpelier, Morrisville, and Rutland areas, and the Northeast Kingdom. Eight of our Scholars are working in Vermont public schools from Bennington to Island Pond, while others are obtaining their degrees at Vermont colleges. Scholars attending college may receive up to $12,000 in loan forgiveness over the course of three years of teaching ($4,000 for each year). Those going through the Peer Review process may receive $1,200 reimbursement after one year of teaching.

The Vermont Teacher Diversity Scholarship Program consists of partnerships between local colleges, school districts, and statewide educational organizations. It combines a rigorous academic training, internship experience and mentoring from established members of the teaching community. VTDSP is a statewide joint venture sponsored by the Vermont Public Education Partnership (VPEP). VPEP members include Vermont State Colleges, University of Vermont, Vermont Department of Education, and Vermont Student Assistance Corporation.

The Vermont Teacher Diversity Scholarship Program is a non-profit organization, registered with the IRS. Contributions are tax-deductible. Please call, write or e-mail if you are interested in learning more about the organization or would like to make a contribution.