Jenkins Memorial Scholarship for Teacher Education

The Jenkins Memorial Scholarship was inaugurated in October 1946, as a special Golden Anniversary Project. In 1947 the fund was established as a permanent project as a living memorial to the young people who lost their lives in military service during WWII and was named for one of them, Clifford N. Jenkins, Jr., son of Margaret Jenkins, New York State PTA President 1944-1947 and National PTA President 1961-1964. The purpose of the project is to assist outstanding students in preparing for the teaching profession.

Scholarship Amount

$4,000 paid in installments as follows:

• $1,000 paid at the end of the first three academic years (usually at the end of the spring semester) after official transcript is received confirming award compliance.
• $1,000 paid upon receipt of official transcript stating course completion, degree completion and recommendation for teacher certification.

Eligibility

Public High School Seniors who:

1. Plan to prepare for a teaching career.

2. Plan to attend a college of the State University of New York for baccalaureate degree in education -OR- plan to attend a two-year community college before transferring to a baccalaureate degree program in education in a college of the State University of New York.

3. Attend a high school in New York State in a school where there is a PTA/PTSA unit in good standing.

Criteria

Character and personality, academic achievement and potential teaching ability.

Requirements

Students awarded a scholarship are required to do the following:

1. Official education curriculum transcripts must be mailed to the New York State PTA office within 60 days of conclusion of the academic year.

2. If the education curriculum is changed to another major, notification must be made to the NYS PTA office and the scholarship will be immediately terminated.

3. The scholar will submit to the New York State PTA documentation of graduation and recommendation for New York State teaching certification before the final scholarship payment is distributed.

Applications

Applications will be made available on the New York State PTA website (nyspta.org) after September 15. Notification of availability will be sent to guidance counselors in high schools with a PTA/PTSA in good standing. EACH HIGH SCHOOL MAY SUBMIT TWO (2) CANDIDATES

PART A INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE) (Read carefully before completing application)

1. Have the PTA president fill out and sign the PTA Unit information at the top of the page. (A blank will automatically disqualify the application!)

2. Follow all directions carefully. Give detailed answers to ALL questions on this application.

3. The transcript is the ONLY attachment allowed. All other supplemental sheets (including an essay and recommendations attached rather than using the space provided) will NOT be considered.

4. Application must be signed by the student and a parent or guardian.

5. Complete the student section of the application.

6. Give the recommendation section to your school principal, guidance counselor, or teacher to complete. The guidance office should mail the student section along with the recommendation section and the transcript to the NYS PTA state office.

Deadline

Completed applications must be sent to the New York State PTA Office postmarked, not metered, by December 15, 2025. (If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday it will be extended to the next business day).

Selection of Winner

Applications are reviewed by a committee of educators and members of the New York State PTA Governance Team. Candidates whose applications pass the initial screening are invited to appear for a personal interview in March. Interview sites are listed on the application.

Candidates must attend the entire interview process to continue eligibility.

Winners

Winners, known as Jenkins Scholars, are notified on or about May 1 and receive an award agreement which must be signed and returned to the New York State PTA office.