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Become a Massachusetts Educator

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Financial aid, scholarships, and loan repayment to recruit and retain educators — from early childhood to K–12.

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Massachusetts is investing in the people who teach, care for, and inspire our students. Whether you’re an early educator earning your first credential, a paraprofessional on the path to licensure, or a college student preparing to lead a classroom, the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) offers programs that can reduce costs and reward your commitment to our schools and communities. Check out the Become a Massachusetts Educator page to see financial aid opportunities specific to current and future educators, but please also check out our statewide financial aid programs that offer free or more affordable college across majors.

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Start by completing your FAFSA

Massachusetts Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program

The 2026-2027 Paraprofessional Grant application is now OPEN.

Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program
Tomorrow’s Teachers Scholarship Program
Massachusetts Financial Aid Programs
Union Plus Education Benefits
With affordable, online options for both associate and bachelor's degrees, plus annual scholarship awards, Union Plus is here to help your union family reach its education goals.

Union Plus Scholarships:  Application deadline:  January 31, 2027

JET Program
Are you a Massachusetts public school paraeducator without a Bachelor’s degree who wants to become a licensed teacher? 
If so, the JET Program is for you!
“Without the JET Program this would have remained a secret dream in my heart. The grant made it possible to pay for school, but the JET Program helped me finish the path.” 
JET offers a pathway to help you complete your Bachelor’s degree, at little cost, and gain a Massachusetts teacher license.
JET supports the goals of building community teacher pipelines and developing an educator workforce that reflects the racial, cultural and linguistic diversity of students.  
What JET can do for you                  
Mentor and support you through your Bachelor’s degree and teacher licensure completion
Advise you on teacher pathway programs in Massachusetts colleges/universities
Help you access financial aid available to Massachusetts paraeducators
Connect you with a cohort of paraeducators working toward the goal of becoming licensed teachers
Provide you with professional and peer learning opportunities 

Check out these colleges and universities to find the program that is right for you!

American International College

Bay Path University

Elms College

Elms College and the Center for Urban Equity Programs

Springfield College

Springfield College Step Up Paras Program

Springfield College S-Cubed Program

STCC Early Childhood Education Transfer Program
STCC General Studies MassTransfer Program
MassTransfer Program

UMass University Without Walls

Westfield State University

Springfield Federation of Paraprofessionals

© 2026 Proudly created by and for the Springfield Federation of Paraprofessionals

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