Educator Scholarship

Empowering District 65 educators to excel

We support District 65 educators in obtaining additional education that builds greater capacity to serve the needs of District 65 students, with a particular emphasis on serving historically marginalized students and educators.

The Program

Foundation 65 offers an opportunity for educators to apply for tuition support. We are committed to covering 50% of tuition for those accepted into the program. Applicants are responsible for the remaining 50% and any additional fees.

Details:

Tuition payments will be made directly to the college or university for each semester or quarter specified in the scholarship agreement.

Foundation 65 will cover up to two years of tuition, supporting up to two classes per semester/quarter. Any additional tuition requests must be submitted two months before the start of the class.

Timely submission of tuition bills to Foundation 65 is required to ensure payment.

Foundation 65 Scholarship Program participants immediately implement their learnings into their classrooms.

Application Process:

1. Applications will be open during the late spring for fall start dates.

2. If accepted, Foundation 65 will provide a loan directly to the degree-granting institution to cover 50% of your tuition.

3. This loan will be forgiven after three years of continuous employment within District 65 following the completion of your degree or endorsement.

4. If you leave District 65 before the three-year commitment, you will be required to repay the loan with interest.

Recipient Requirements:

1. Maintain a 3.0 GPA in your program.

2. Remain in good standing as an employee of District 65.

3. Commit to working within District 65 for at least three years after completing the program.

Educator FAQ’s:

Foundation 65’s educator loan initiative enables District 65 educators to pursue additional licensures, endorsements, or further education. Our goal is to support District 65 staff and educators in obtaining additional education that builds greater capacity to serve the needs of District 65 students, with a particular emphasis on serving historically marginalized students and educators.

  • Foundation 65 is committing to supporting District 65 staff and educators in expanding their skills to serve the children of our community. We will help pay for licensure and endorsements relevant to your work.  We are not currently supporting undergraduate, masters, or PhD programs.

  • At this time we are not awarding funding for professional development or conferences through this program.

    • Currently employed by District 65 and in good standing

    • Be admitted to the program at the college or university they plan to attend or final acceptance into the Foundation 65 program is contingent upon admission to the targeted program.

    • Have endorsement from their supervisor or District 65 human resources that this additional education will serve the best interests of the school or District

    • Demonstrated financial need (Foundation 65 will take into account current family income and assets, home ownership, debt, and how the person may obtain this education if not supported by Foundation 65)

    • Clear and demonstrated commitment to serving students of color within District 65

    • The proposed educational institution can not be a for-profit institution and must be approved for state licensure.

    Preference will be given to educators with historically marginalized identities and those with demonstrated experience and commitment to serving BIPOC students. 

  • Applications are due May 1 for payment in the upcoming fall term.  Foundation 65 reserves the right to interview applicants in determining loan recipients.  Educators do not have to apply for every term they wish to receive a loan.  Once admitted to the program, the loan agreement will lay out the terms of continuing payment.

  • Applicant commits to remaining within District 65 for at least 3 years after completion of the program.  Loans will be forgiven by Foundation 65 at the completion of this three-year term.  Applicants should not take on this program if they are not confident in their ability to complete it and must be committed to remaining within District 65.

  • Foundation 65 is willing to commit to paying for 50% of the tuition for any program its applicant is accepted to. Should financial circumstances allow and demonstrate the need, Foundation 65 may make additional payments to offset costs.

Interested in applying?

Reach out to info@foundation65.org to receive updates and the application.

Educator Literacy Current Students and Alumni

 

2020-2021 Cohort

Jenevieve Arceneaux, MA, 3rd grade, Walker

Khole Battle, MA, 3rd grade, Willard

Charlise Berkel, MA, Instructional Coach, Oakton

Dana Burris, Endorsement, Kindergarten, King Arts

Melissa Drennan, Endorsement, 2nd grade, King Arts

Rosa Felix, Endorsement, 3rd grade, Oakton

Lisa Harries, Endorsement, Instructional Coach, Kingsley

Claire Lawrence, MA, Kindergarten, King Arts

Jenica Mullins, MA, 3rd grade, Lincoln

Elida Patino, Endorsement, Kindergarten, Bessie Rhodes

Jennifer Tertulien, MA, 3rd grade, Lincolnwood

Mayra Velazquez, Endorsement, Kindergarten, Oakton

2022-2023 Cohort

Shannon Dickinson - 6th grade LA, Chute


Daisha Fox - 7th grade LA, Chute 


Heather Jean - special ed, Kingsley 


Michelle Kelly - special ed, Walker 


Mary Lange - 8th grade LA, Chute 


Elle Light -special ed, Nichols 


Anaisabel Lopez - 1st grade TWI, Willard 


Robert O’Connor - 7th grade social studies, Nichols 


Cecelia Romero - 6th-8th bilingual special ed, Haven

2023-2024 Cohort

Moira Gitau - 3rd grade, Lincolnwood

Kari Kohler - 5th grade, Lincolnwood

Valeriya Nikolayeva, kindergarten, Lincolnwood

2021-2022 Cohort

Jamie Bates, MA, 2nd grade, Lincoln

Derrick Carlson, Endorsement, 2nd grade, Lincoln

Elizabeth Galliani, Endorsement, ESL K-2, Dawes

Bevitt Gibney, MA, 1st grade, Lincoln

Eve Morrissey, Endorsement, 5th grade, Lincoln

Kala Niedemeier, MA, 6-8 science, Bessie Rhodes

Sara (Pilar) Ramos, MA, Kindergarten, King Arts