Thrive With Us Staff Scholarship Information


We’re offering two specialized scholarship tracks for staff:

  • The General Education Scholarship is open to staff and students and will focus on urban education for kindergarten through sixth grade.
  • The Special Education Scholarship is open to only staff and will focus on special education at all levels (preschool, elementary, secondary, and transition).

Details of the scholarship program are as follows:

  • Start Date: Fall 2025
  • Location: Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, MN, or the University of Minnesota (early application process required for U of M).
  • Scholarship Covers: Tuition, fees, materials, and a stipend for student teaching expenses.
  • Cohort Experience: Connect with fellow future educators, working together on exciting projects across the district.
  • Student Teaching: Assigned within School District 197, giving you direct experience in our vibrant and supportive school community.
  • Monthly Support: Check-ins with Program Mentor or District Leaders to ensure your success.

We are accepting applications for a fully paid educational opportunity now through February 8, 2025. Click here to apply

Eligibility Guidelines and Application Process

To be eligible, you must either be a current employee or a Two Rivers High School senior. After graduation from Metropolitan State University or University of Minnesota, scholarship recipients must return to School District 197 to teach for three years—view job description here.

The application process includes:

  • Formal interview with an interview panel (beginning the week of February 28, 2025)
  • Presentation of "Your Why"
  • Equity and Inclusion discussion with other applicants

For more information, please see the attached program overview document. Questions? Please contact Tye Michaels, Human Resources Director, at tye.michaels@isd197.org

Meet 2024 Scholarship Recipients