The Suzanne McGraw Scholars Program

The Suzanne McGraw Scholars Program

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Become a teacher at the Early Childhood Level with a fully funded degree and a paid earn-while-you-learn classroom role.

A New Pathway for Future Teachers

The Suzanne McGraw Scholars Program removes the biggest barriers to earning your teaching degree — cost and experience. Supported by a historic philanthropic investment from the Suzanne McGraw Foundation, this program covers the full balance of your tuition and places you directly in Early Childhood level classrooms while you earn your degree.

All you need to focus on are your classes and we will handle the rest.

Teacher in Classroom with Young Student

What Sets This Program Apart

A Fully Funded Path to Your Degree

Your tuition is covered so you can fully focus on becoming a teacher.

Earn While You Learn in a Paid Classroom Role

Work at the Early Childhood level in both general and special education classrooms throughout the undergraduate program, gaining paid experience that builds real skills and confidence while you complete your degree.

A Full Year of Employment After You Graduate

After earning your degree, you will continue in your full-time teaching role for an additional year, entering the field with credentials, experience and a clear pathway forward.

How the Program Works

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During Your Degree

  • Enroll full-time in the BS in Teaching Students with Disabilities program.
  • Join a cohort of 25 students and follow a unified course pathway.
  • Work at the Early Childhood level in either general or special education classrooms.
  • Receive tuition funding and additional program resources.
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After Graduation

  • Complete an optional accelerated MS in Early Childhood Education that is fully funded.
  • Transition into a full-time role and remain in your placement classroom for one year after completing all coursework.
  • Graduate with professional experience, making you career-ready from day one.
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Who Should Apply?
The Suzanne McGraw Scholars Program is ideal for students who:

  • Are passionate about working at the Early Childhood Level, including both general and special education classrooms
  • Want hands-on classroom experience while earning their degree
  • Are seeking a fully funded pathway to becoming a teacher
  • Thrive in community-based, highly supported learning environments
Students Mercy University

Ready to Get Started?

Applications are open the scholarship program. Begin your journey toward a teaching career with full support, hands-on classroom experience and a community dedicated to helping you succeed.

As a first step you will need to apply to Mercy University. 

*You'll need to login to your student portal to complete your scholarship application

Contact Dr. Sudha Ramaswamy, Chair of the Department of Special Education and Educational Leadership, to learn more about this program: sramaswamy@mercy.edu

Apply Now to the McGraw Scholars Program