The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program is a scholarship program in the state of West Virginia that is designed to encourage talented students to become teachers in critical-needs subject areas and high-needs schools. The program is named in honor of two former West Virginia governors, Cecil H. Underwood and William C. “Bill” Smith.
The scholarship program provides full tuition and fees, as well as a $5,000 per year stipend, for up to four years of undergraduate or graduate study. In exchange, scholarship recipients agree to teach in a high-needs school in West Virginia for two years for each year of scholarship support they receive.
The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program is an important initiative that helps to address the critical shortage of highly qualified teachers in West Virginia. The program provides financial assistance to deserving students, as well as opportunities for professional development and networking. Overall, the program helps to ensure that all students in West Virginia have access to high-quality teachers who are committed to their success.