SECU, State Farm and Others Support Promise Scholarships for Students at WWU

Contact: Michael Henninger, Associate Dean, Woodring College of Education; (360) 650-3979; Michael.Henninger@wwu.edu

BELLINGHAM – Over the past five years, businesses, organizations and others have provided more than $90,000 in scholarships to 40 students of color enrolling in Western Washington University’s Woodring College of Education teacher preparation program. 

Grants for the Future Teachers of Color Promise Scholarship program for the coming year include $3,400 from School Employees Credit Union (SECU); $3,000 from State Farm; $2,000 from the Tulalip Tribe Community Fund; $3,000 from John and Marilyn Warner and a matching grant of $1,500 from Arnold Olson. The program is also supported by monthly donations from Woodring College faculty and staff.  Part of the SECU grant will also be used by students to help defray their final teacher certification costs.  

State educational agencies, the governor and school districts throughout Washington have all designated the recruitment of minority teachers as a top priority for teacher education programs, in keeping with the greater need created by increasing numbers of minority student in public schools. 

“The Promise Scholarship program has made it possible for some of the best and brightest students in our area to complete the rigorous teacher preparation program at Woodring College of Education,” said Woodring Associate Dean Michael Henniger.  “We’re very grateful to those donors who have supported this program multiple years and can assure them of its success as many of those who entered the program at its inception are now out in the teaching force.”  

Promise Scholarships are awarded to sophomores and are renewable for one additional year as long as they maintain eligibility for the teacher education program.

Western Washington University’s Woodring College of Education is recognized throughout Washington, and beyond, as a leader in the development and implementation of programs that prepare outstanding teachers, from early childhood to adult education; educational administration leaders; human services professionals; and rehabilitation counselors. For more information see Woodring College of Education.