The Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) oversees several Teacher Education Loan/Grant programs in the state. One is the State Teacher Assistance Resource (STAR) program.
The first priority of the Arkansas State Teacher Assistance Resource (STAR) is funding for future teachers seeking an education degree leading to an initial teacher licensure. If funds remain after future teachers are awarded, current teachers may receive grants to assist in repaying federal student loans. Applicants must be Arkansas teachers who graduated from a teacher education program after April 1, 2004. STAR funds are paid to the recipient’s federal student loan lender and are applied to the principal balance.
Teachers may receive up to $6,000 per year for teaching in both an Arkansas public school located in a geographical area designated as having a critical shortage of teachers AND in a subject matter area designated as having a critical shortage of teachers.
Teachers may receive up to $3,000 per year for teaching in either an Arkansas public school located in a geographical area designated as having a critical shortage of teachers OR in a subject matter area designated as having a critical shortage of teachers.
Go to www.adhe.edu to download an application to be mailed to ADHE and for additional information on this program. (Just click on the financial aid links and then scroll down to the STAR program.) The current shortage list is provided on the website.
The deadline for applications is May 1, 2008.
Direct questions to ADHE at (501) 371-2050, (800) 547-8839 or finaid@adhe.edu.