VanderCook College of Music
MTI & TEACH Grants
External Grant Resources
Welcome to VanderCook College of Music, where we embrace a rich tradition of fostering musical talent and educational excellence. Our institution proudly supports students in pursuing their passion for music education through external grants such as the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) and the federal TEACH grant, ensuring that aspiring educators have the financial resources they need to thrive in their academic pursuits.
If you are interested in the grant programs listed below, you can only commit to one.
Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program
Awarding for this program is subject to annual appropriations
Applications are due March 31 for priority consideration. Late applications are allowed.
Qualify for up to $7,500 per year
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- Be a resident of Illinois
- Be a minority student
- Be a high school graduate or hold a GED
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment
- Have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by your college
- Complete the application process
- Sign the Teaching Agreement/Promissory Note
- Not be in default on any student loan
- Not have previously received funds from the MTI scholarship program for the equivalent of four academic years
- Not receive funds from Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois
Create a Profile
In order to complete the online application, you must log in to the ISAC Student Portal (if you have not already done so, you may create a profile here).
Application
Click the button to complete the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program Application and the Teaching Agreement/Promissory Note.
TEACH Grant Program
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grant funds to students who are enrolled in a TEACH Grant-eligible program of study, at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program.
Students must agree to teach full time for at least four years in a high-need field at a low-income elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency.
Qualify for up to $4,000 per year less origination fees ($1,886/semester)
Eligibility Requirements
- Meet the basic eligibility criteria for the federal student aid programs
- Complete the Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
- Be enrolled at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program
- Be enrolled in a TEACH-Grant-eligible program
- Meet certain academic achievement requirements
- Receive TEACH Grant Counseling that explains the terms and conditions of the TEACH Grant service obligation. You must complete the counseling each year that you receive a TEACH Grant
- Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay
TEACH Counseling
TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling informs you about the TEACH Grant program and the TEACH Grant service obligation.
After you complete each of your four required school years of teaching, provide your TEACH Grant servicer with documentation of your teaching service. Do not wait until after you have completed all four years to provide this documentation. Provide it as soon as you complete each year of teaching service.
Agreement to Serve
The TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay (Agreement) explains the terms and conditions for receiving a TEACH Grant. By signing the Agreement to Serve or Repay, you agree to these terms and conditions and acknowledge that if you do not fulfill the service obligation described in the Agreement, the TEACH Grant funds you received will be converted to a loan that you must repay.
