Financial Aid

Tom Haggai and Associates Foundation Scholarship In Elementary Education

The Tom Haggai and Associates (THA) Foundation was founded by Dr. Thomas Haggai with the purpose of providing assistance “so young people would be prepared to help the youth of our country.” As a recipient of various scholarships and grants to fund his education, Dr. Haggai appreciated that he had been able to graduate from college without financial debt. In creating the THA Foundation, he hoped to pass on the same kindness he had experienced. In 1966, the THA Foundation awarded its first scholarship after Dr, Haggai asked 120 people to contribute $120 each. Over the years the Foundation’s impact has grown – with about 192 scholarships being awarded since 2000.

In recognition of the need for more qualified teachers, particularly in the grades K - 6, the Tom Haggai and Associates (THA) Foundation Scholarship was established at the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University in the fall of 2001. It is the Foundation’s intention that scholarships be awarded to non-traditional (or career switcher) students who demonstrate they are dedicated and committed to teaching in grades K – 6.

In accordance with the wishes of the THA Foundation, scholarship candidates must include the following in their application packet:

    • Proof of being a documented career switcher – evidence that you have been employed in a profession outside of education for at least one year or are still currently employed outside of education and making the switch.
    • A one page (maximum) statement of financial impact addressing how the scholarship support will make a difference and providing evidence of economic need for the scholarship to continue your education.
    • A one to two (1-2) page personal statement sharing why you have chosen to become a teacher, your educational goals, and how your personal and professional goals are consistent with those of the THA Foundation.
    • A completed Personal Information Sheet providing contact information, program area, GPA, etc.

Additional supporting documentation required in the application packet:

    1) Faculty recommendation – at least one member of your program’s faculty must submit a written recommendation endorsing your application. (Recommendations may be submitted via email to Shernita Rochelle Parker at srochell@gmu.edu).
    2) Employer recommendation – letter of support from your current and/or former employer.

    Scholarship recipients must do the following:

    • Make a commitment to teach at the elementary school grade level (one year for each year of scholarship support received)
    • Be enrolled and registered in two sequential semesters, carrying 6 credit hours per semester.
    • Have a strong academic record and maintain good academic standing (3.0 GPA or higher)
    • Display outstanding professional conduct.

    Applications with all the above information (personal statement, statement of financial impact, faculty recommendation, employer’s letter of support, and documentation of career switch) should be submitted by April 1, 2008 to Shernita Rochelle Parker in Robinson Hall A, Room 255.

    Please note the following important dates:

    • Qualified candidates notified of invitation to interview – April 14
    • Interviews held – Week of April 21
    • Scholarship candidate recommendations sent to THA Foundation – May 5

    Scholarship recipients will be notified of selection during the summer after the recommended recipients have been confirmed by the THA Board of Governors.

    Disbursement of the award (typically ranging from $5000 to $7500) is handled by the CEHD Business Office and is made in two equal parts during the fall and spring semesters.

    PDF version of Scholarship Application Information