Scholarship application deadlines for Memphis Area Teachers' Credit Union have been extended to March 31.
Six scholarships will be awarded to college freshmen or high school seniors planning to major in education. The students will receive up to $2,500 per year for four years as long as scholarship standards are met and upheld.
"We are extending the deadline for the scholarship application because we want to be sure as many potential applicants as possible know about this opportunity," said Ray Algee, MATCU President and CEO.
Those looking to apply must be high school seniors graduating in 2005, college freshmen who are MATCU members or dependent children of an MATCU member.
"We are targeting future teachers because that's our tradition ... we believe this career path is worthy," said Joan Nieman, director of marketing and business development for MATCU.
High school seniors must attend a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-approved institution and have a minimum 3.0 grade point average. They must also plan to enroll in an accredited teacher preparation college or university in summer or fall of 2005.
Roughly 50 percent of teachers leave their occupation after five years according to the National Education Association website.
"These scholarships are an excellent investment in our area by MATCU. We are concerned about the current shortage of teachers and want to make a contribution to impact this critical shortfall," Algee said.
Some U of M students are showing concern for freshmen and graduating seniors.
"They might want to offer it to students for more than four years," said Jonathan Humphrey, a senior education major.
According to Humphrey many education majors find that school is in session for more than four years.
Other students are looking to give freshmen and incoming students some helpful advice.
"Scholarships are wonderful. As long as (recipients) don't have to pay the money back, go for it," said senior education major Kortney Goodwin.
