MI Future Educator Fellowship

Scholarship Sponsored by Michigan Student Aid

Overview
The MI Future Educator Fellowship awards up to $10,000 to as many as 2,500 future educators each year. To receive the award you must be admitted to and enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) approved by the Michigan Department of Education.

Who this is for (eligibility)
To be considered for the fellowship, you must meet all of the following:
- Submit the annual MI Future Educator Fellowship application.
- File a current-year FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Be a high school graduate (or equivalent).
- Be admitted to an eligible EPP approved by Michigan’s State Board of Education.
- Be working toward initial teacher certification.
- Be enrolled full time during the academic year (or have an equivalent enrollment status if you’re in an alternative certification program).
- Have reached junior standing according to your institution’s definition.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Be a Michigan resident as of July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- If you are a dependent student, the person(s) listed as contributors on your FAFSA must also be Michigan residents.
- Residency will be verified from your FAFSA information.
- Complete a Commitment to Teach in Michigan Agreement (see below).

About the Commitment to Teach in Michigan Agreement
If awarded the fellowship, you must sign a Commitment to Teach in Michigan Agreement. That agreement requires you to teach in a Michigan public school or qualifying public preschool program for a set number of years. The required service length depends on how many years you receive the fellowship. The agreement will be issued by your institution when they confirm your eligibility and must be e-signed no later than July 15, 2026.

How to apply (step-by-step)
1. File the FAFSA for the current academic year.
2. Create a MiSSG Student Portal account.
3. Complete and submit the MI Future Educator Fellowship application through the portal.
4. Note the application window: the 2025–26 fellowship application is currently open; the deadline is June 15, 2026.

What happens after you apply
- Your institution will review and confirm your eligibility.
- If eligible, your institution will issue the Commitment to Teach in Michigan Agreement for you to e-sign (deadline for the 2025–26 agreement: July 15, 2026).
- Once signed and processed, institutions request reimbursement from the State of Michigan.
- Payments are then made to institutions for distribution according to their policies.

Quick reminders (teacher-to-student tips)
- Complete your FAFSA before the fellowship application deadline—residency and dependency are determined from your FAFSA.
- Make sure your institution recognizes your junior standing and that your GPA meets the 3.0 minimum.
- Read the Commitment to Teach carefully before signing; it obligates you to teach in Michigan for a set period.
- If you have questions, contact your institution’s financial aid or educator preparation office early—don’t wait until the deadline.

If you want, I can help you make a checklist you can print or save to keep track of documents and deadlines.