The Arizona Teachers Academy (ATA) is a funding initiative designed to support future educators. Through this program, teacher candidates pursuing MCC's Early Childhood Dual Language Bachelor's Degree Educator Preparation Program leading towards AZ Department of Education Teacher Certification (following the student teaching capstone experience) receive scholarships, paid certification fees, vouchers for state-required testing, and access to Induction Services upon successful completion of their program. The scholarship amount varies, and will cover tuition and registration fees after all grants/scholarships have been awarded. In exchange, ATA scholars must commit to one year of teaching in an eligible Arizona public school for each year they receive the scholarship; no more than two years.
Due to limited funding available, scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will only be reviewed after all scholarship criteria have been met.
Step 1: Review Scholarship Details
Applicants must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for the scholarship.
Scholarship Criteria:
- Enrolled in MCC's Early Childhood Dual Language Bachelor's Degree Educator Preparation Program leading towards AZ Department of Education Teacher Certification (following the student teaching capstone experience)
- Enrolled in required program coursework
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completed and submitted annually
- 250 word essay displaying educational commitment
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA in program coursework
- U.S. Citizen or eligible Non-Citizen
ATA Scholarships are awarded on the basis of need, merit, and program standing and availability of funds. The amount of the scholarship will cover the cost educator preparation program tuition and fees for eligible semesters during an academic year (July 1 - June 30th) after grants/scholarships have been awarded.
Step 2: Review Service Commitment
Eligible teacher candidates have a maximum of two years to complete their teacher certification program and receive funding. Enrollment must be continuous and candidates must remain in good standing to remain eligible for funding. Students who have reached the end of two years and have not yet completed their teacher certification program may not reapply or be eligible for additional ATA funding to complete that certification program.
ATA scholars must commit to teaching in an ATA eligible Arizona public or charter school for as many years as they have received funding; no more than two years. Failure to successfully complete coursework or complete teaching requirements will result in repayment of scholarship funds.
Step 3 : Annual FAFSA Renewal Required
Applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a renewal application for each academic year. ATA staff will be in contact each year to remind applicants of the requirement.
Step 4: Apply for ATA Scholarship
NOTE: Applications submitted on or before December 25, 2025, will be considered for potential fall funding. Applications received after December 25,2025 and before June 25, 2026, will be reviewed for spring and summer start dates.
It is highly recommended, but not required, that applicants first enroll with Mesa Community College before submitting an application as a student ID can be issued and all records will easily be aligned.
For questions regarding the application process please email [email protected]
AZ Teacher's Academy Scholarship Application
Step 5 : Review FAQs
The following information is provided by the Arizona Board of Regents and is specific to ATA requirements for all candidates regardless of higher education institution they are attending.