Eugene School District 4J

Grow Your Own Applications Open Mid-January!

Get ready to take the next step in your journey toward becoming a licensed educator. The application for the Grow Your Own (GYO) program will be available starting mid-January. Stay tuned for more details and be prepared to apply! A brief description of application materials is listed at the bottom of this page.

An outline of a tree with deep roots

Why do we need the 4J Grow Your Own Program?

The 2022 Educator Equity Report collaboratively produced by the Educator Advancement Council (EAC), Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), and Oregon Department of Education (ODE) reports that 12.9% of teachers are racially ethnically, and/or linguistically diverse during 2021-2022. Additionally, in the last 10 years this number of teachers has increased just 3.8%.

Eugene School District 4J is in alignment to Oregon Department of Education Goal ORS 342.437;

The goal of the state is the percentage of diverse educators reflects the percentage of diverse students in public schools of this state or the percentage of diverse students in the district.

Eligibility

Eugene School District 4J is committed to investing in professionals who in turn desire to invest in our students, and are committed to working in 4J as they pursue licensure, and positions that are available based on funding, vacancies and according to established policies and procedures.

Cand idates for the 4J Grow Your Own Program must:

Have graduated from high school or obtained a General Educational Development (GED) ; and
Employed in a regular position in Eugene School District 4J; and
Qualify for admittance to an accredited institution of higher education. {University of Oregon, Pacific University, Bushnell University, or Lane Community College for an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree (AAOT)}; and
Maintain employment in good standing while actively pursuing licensure at an accredited education preparation program.

The 4J Grow Your Own Program is aligned to Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the commitments of the Oregon Educator Equity Act in diversifying our educators by actively recruiting & retaining our workforce.

What financial assistance does the 4J Grow Your Own Program provide?

The 4J Grow Your Own Program provides scholars with professional development awards of up to $7,500 per academic year.

Planning and paying for college

While the 4J GYO Program helps to cover the cost of tuition, it is not intended to completely fund a student’s education. Scholars will need to pay application fees, housing, textbooks, testing fees, licensure fees, additional tuition costs and other educational items as needed.

How are Participant Scholars supported?

Financial assistance through professional development awards and information about other forms of support (grants, scholarships).
Individualized academic support throughout the program, from application to licensure.
Professional development & workshop opportunities that are culturally responsive and inclusive.

Choose Your Pathway to Licensure

Note: you can click on each college/university and their associated programs for hotlinks to their pages!

Additional funding opportunities

The Pathways Program provides scholars with tuition scholarships ranging between $2,500 and $15,000 to attend Bushnell University, University of Oregon, Pacific University, or Lane Community College. Scholarships are paid directly to the attending college on a per term basis dependent on successful completion of each term, maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA, and making adequate progress toward licensure.

You can apply on the Lane ESD website. Applications are open December 17, 2024 – February 7, 2025.
NEW! Candidates pursuing licenses as a school counselor, school social worker or school psychologist are now eligible to apply.

The Oregon Teacher Scholars Program now offers funding for candidates who are pursuing educator careers that identify as ethnically diverse or Heritage Speakers of a language other than English. The program serves undergraduate students who are in the final two years of a teaching program and graduate students enrolled in a TSPC-approved educator preparation program in Oregon. Recipients of a scholarship from the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program may be eligible for a second year of funding depending on funding availability.

Scholarships may be used for costs associated with pursuing a teaching degree and licensure, including tuition and “hidden costs” such as fees, materials, supplies, and living expenses, such as housing, transportation, or childcare. In addition to the scholarship, the program coordinator provides recipients with networking, paid admissions to professional development conferences, teaching resources, employment assistance, and other resources.

For more information on this scholarship, including deadlines and eligibility, please visit the Oregon Student Aid webpage or email the scholarship team at PublicPrograms@hecc.oregon.gov.
The Oregon Administrator Scholars Program (OASP) is offering scholarships up to a maximum of $12,000 for racially or linguistically diverse administrator candidates accepted and enrolled in an approved administrator program. The scholarships may be used to pay for classes, fees, and related costs.

You are encouraged to visit the Office of Student Access and Completion website for more information.
OOG is a need-based grant awarded to Oregon residents of all ages who are pursuing their first associates degree or bachelor's degree at an eligible public or private institution. Award amounts vary based on the student's financial need and type of institution the student attends.
The Oregon Promise is a state grant that helps cover tuition costs at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates and GED® test graduates. Students must apply during their senior year or immediately after GED® test completion.
Oregon residents who have undocumented status, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or a valid U-visa should submit the ORSAA.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Diversity Excellence Scholarship:
- Annual award amounts range from $6,500-$7500 for undergraduate students (annual award is split evenly over fall, winter, and spring terms). The scholarship is renewable with the length of eligibility based on the recipient's grade level at the time of awarding. The DES is a tuition remission scholarship. It cannot be combined with some tuition-remission programs such as the Presidential Scholarship and may be reduced if used with UO staff/staff family rates or other tuition remission scholarships.
Dreamer Scholarship:
- Opportunity through Excellence: Fund the Dream Scholarship. This is a one year award that ranges from $5,000 – $9,000 for the school year. Typical deadline is April 1st, check the UO Scholarship Dashboard for exact deadline. The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. I
Presidential Scholarship:
- Presidential Scholars receive up to $36,000 over four years of undergraduate study—$9,000 per year (annual award is split evenly over fall, winter, and spring terms).

Frequently Asked Questions

Up to $2,500 per term with a maximum of $7,500 per academic year.
The award is paid directly to the attending institution of higher education on a per term basis.
The award is used for the current or upcoming school year, e.g. for the academic year 2023 – 2024.
Yes, you can still apply! Note: that if selected, the award may not apply until the next academic year.
Yes, you will have to complete a 4J GYO professional development renewal form yearly (available during the open application period) for further consideration and participation in the program. Please contact the HR Administrator, Chemika Bolden, for this form.
No, however, you would have to complete the 4J GYO professional development renewal form yearly (available during the open application period) for further consideration and participation. Please contact the HR Administrator, Chemika Bolden, for this form.
If a student is put on academic probation through the college or university, the student will need to work with the HR Administrator to establish a plan of support.
Depending on funding, support may be available. Contact the HR Administrator, Chemika Bolden, with inquiries.
If you already have a TSPC license and are seeking an additional license or endorsement you would not qualify. (e.g You’re an elementary K-5 licensed teacher and are seeking support for an endorsement in MS Science).