Are you passionate about advancing and sustaining access and opportunity in Mississippi education?
Here is your chance to make an impact like never before by supporting these University of Mississippi School of Education initiatives!
The UM School of Education works to advance educational excellence by embracing learners from differing backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and abilities. We do this through innovative practice by individuals who lead and inspire others. Financial support from our alumni, friends and community members is vital to continue our work. You can get involved today by making a gift to these important programs:
Life-Changing Scholarships
Transfer to Teach: Provides substantial scholarship aid for teacher candidates transferring from a Mississippi community college who, in exchange, commit to teach in Mississippi public schools for at least three years.
SOE Immediate Need Scholarship: Provides critical resources to students facing unexpected financial barriers to completing their degree, including tuition support, examination fees, transportation costs, groceries, etc.
Dr. Theopolis Pride Vinson Memorial Scholarship: Created in memory of the former assistant dean of the UM School of Education, this scholarship supports junior and senior education students who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and community service.
Education Equity Undergraduate Scholarship: Honors SOE students who demonstrate a commitment to access and opportunity in the classroom and intend to teach in Mississippi public schools following graduation.
21 United Scholarship: Supports future educators with a commitment to better serving students with Down syndrome in the North Mississippi area.
Luetta Ford Scholarship for Special Education in honor of Dr. James Mann: Given to honor a beloved special education professor, this scholarship supports graduate students in the ABA program who plan to specialize in educating students with special needs.
Community Engagement & Research
Educational Access & Strategic Initiatives: This program promotes access and opportunity within the SOE and will provide financial resources for future programs and workshops for educational leaders.
Early Childhood Mindfulness Program: A research-forward curriculum promoting whole child wellness through education, family and community engagement, social-emotional learning, physical activity, gardening/nutrition, and yoga/mindfulness activities.
SOE Tele-Mental Health Outreach Initiative Support Fund: Supports the SOE's Counseling Program as they provide accessible tele-mental health services for children, UM students, and adults across Mississippi
SOE Bridge Program for Students with Autism: Established in 2023, Bridge is a faculty and peer-led organization created to support students with autism enrolled at UM. The organization hosts monthly social events and regularly participates in volunteer work in the Oxford community.
Billy Crews Imagine Award: Honoring a Mississippi legend, the Billy Crews Imagine Award is one of four SOE Vision Awards and recognizes students who are promoting and advocating for educational opportunity and access.
Advancing Professional Training
Mississippi Teacher Corps (MTC): Founded in 1989, MTC sets out to be the nation’s best alternative-route teaching program. Participants earn their Master of Arts in Teaching while serving in critical-needs Mississippi schools for two years.
Applied Behavior Analysis: A growing degree program that prepares highly qualified, board-certified educational professionals to meet the needs of students with autism and other behavioral challenges.
Teacher Recruitment Fund: Supports the recruitment and retention of exceptional teacher candidates who exemplify access and opportunity in the UM School of Education community and the Mississippi teacher workforce.
Advancing our commitment to access and opportunity today matters for Mississippi education tomorrow. To learn more about how you can support opportunities for all learners or discover additional efforts at the School of Education, contact Director of Development Kelly Smith Marion at 662-915-2007 or ksmith13@olemiss.edu.
