Scholarships

ACRES Scholarship
The American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES) is offering a scholarship of up to $1,000 to give a practicing rural teacher an opportunity to pursue education and training that would not otherwise be affordable within his/her district. Creativity in gaining and sharing information with others will be considered in awarding the scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded through ACRES to a rural educator who works with students with disabilities or who is currently "retooling" from a regular education career to work with students with disabilities.
 
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the ACRES scholarship, an individual must be:

  • currently (or have been) employed by a rural school district as a certified teacher in regular or special education;
  • working with students with disabilities or with regular education students and "retooling" for work in a special education setting;
  • pursuing a goal of increasing skills in special education or "retooling" from a regular education to a special education career; and
  • a citizen of the United States.

 
Application Process
Completed applications must be received by February 15th and consist of:

  • a completed application form: o Scholarship Application Form [ONLINE] o Scholarship Application Form [DOC]
  • an essay describing the advantages and disadvantages of rural special education, your needs for scholarship funds, how you plan to use the scholarship, what you will do to share the information gained with other educators; and
  • two letters of recommendation from persons in a position to judge your capabilities as a rural special educator.

 
At least one reference must be from an individual actively involved in rural special education.
 
Selection Process
The selection committee will consist of ACRES members who geographically and professionally represent all aspects of rural special education in the United States. These people may include rural parents, preservice educators, state education professionals, special education directors, teachers, and health and related service professionals. Selection of the award winner will be made on the basis of a completed application form, the essay, and two letters of reference. The award will be announced at the Annual ACRES National Conference. The scholarship must be used during the academic year immediately following notification of the award, and cannot be held for future use or transferred to other individuals. The award winner will also receive a one-year honorary membership in ACRES.
For more information on this scholarship, please contact Cathy Keramidas:
E-mail: cathy.keramidas@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: 304-293-4384