In 1999, the SC General Assembly, recognizing the shortage of teachers in our state, funded the Teaching Fellows Program for South Carolina. The mission of the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program is to recruit talented high school seniors into the teaching profession and help them develop leadership qualities. Each year, the program provides Fellowships for up to 200 high school seniors who have exhibited high academic achievement, a history of service to their school and community, and a desire to teach in South Carolina.
Teaching Fellows participate in advanced enrichment programs at Teaching Fellows Institutions, have additional professional development opportunities, and are involved with communities and businesses throughout the state. They receive up to $24,000, in yearly scholarships (up to $6000 a year for four years) while they complete a degree leading to teacher certification. The scholarship provides up to $5700 for tuition and board and $300 for specific enrichment programs administered by CERRA (contingent on funding from the S.C. General Assembly). A Fellow agrees to teach in South Carolina one year for every year he or she receives the Fellowship.