USA Scholarships
ACET Paraprofessional Scholarship 2027 - $1,000
The ACET Paraprofessional Scholarship 2027 supports Texas paraprofessionals who work in compensatory education and want to become certified teachers. ACET offers four $1,000 awards per cycle to applicants who do not yet hold a bachelor''s degree but are enrolled in a degree and teacher certification program at an accredited Texas college or university. You must work in programs such as Title I, Bilingual/ESL, State Compensatory Education, Migrant, or Homeless services and meet ACET''s experience rules. Regional directors score your essay using a published rubric after you identify your ESC region through TEA''s district locator. The 2025-26 application closed February 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. CST; ACET says to check acetx.org in fall 2026 for the next 2026-27 window, and past cycles follow a late-February deadline.
What is the ACET Paraprofessional Scholarship?
The Association for Compensatory Educators of Texas runs one of the few statewide awards aimed squarely at paraprofessionals who already support students in compensatory programs. ACET is a nonprofit that trains federal and state program administrators across Texas, and its scholarship line puts money behind the people who want to move from aide desks into certified teaching roles.
Each cycle, ACET funds four $1,000 scholarships. The money is modest compared with a full ride, but it is meant to chip away at tuition, fees, and books while you juggle district work and college classes. You cannot already hold a bachelor''s degree, and you need at least two years in a Texas paraprofessional role tied to services like Title I, bilingual support, migrant education, or homeless student supports.
Applications run online only when ACET opens the window, usually after fall conference season. You identify your ESC region with TEA''s locator tool, study the essay rubric, upload two recommendation letters, and explain why you want to teach. Regional directors score the writing, and ACET pays winners directly. The 2025-26 deadline was February 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. Central; if you are planning ahead, watch acetx.org in fall 2026 for the refreshed 2026-27 form rather than assuming last year''s link still accepts entries.
Eligibility
-
✓Employed paraprofessional in a Texas school districtACET requires current employment as a paraprofessional in a Texas public school district. You must have at least two years of experience in that role when you apply.
-
✓Work in a compensatory education programYour job must tie to federal or state compensatory education, such as Title I, Bilingual/ESL, State Compensatory Education (SCE), Migrant, or Homeless programs. ACET uses this focus to align awards with the educators who run those services.
-
✓No bachelor's degree yetApplicants cannot already hold a bachelor's degree. The scholarship targets staff who are still climbing toward their first four-year credential.
-
✓Pursuing degree and teacher certification in TexasYou must be accepted into an accredited teacher education program at a Texas college or university and be working toward both a degree and teacher certification.
-
✓Complete online application and essayACET accepts online applications only when the window is open. Regional directors evaluate your personal essay with a published rubric. Incomplete files are not reviewed.
-
✓Two letters of recommendationSubmit two recommendation letters as part of the packet. Choose writers who can speak to your classroom work and your readiness for a teaching career.
Benefits
- Scholarship amount Up to $1,000 (four recipients per cycle)
- Tuition and fees Eligible expenses
- Required books Eligible expenses
- Disbursement Paid directly to recipient
- Room and board Not specified as covered
- Out-of-state college costs Texas teacher prep only
Document checklist
-
✓ACET online paraprofessional applicationApply through the link posted on acetx.org when the cycle opens. You may save progress and return before the deadline.
-
✓ESC region confirmationUse TEA's School District Locator with your district address to find your Education Service Center region number. ACET routes applications to regional directors using that code.
-
✓Personal essay on teaching goalsWrite a personal essay explaining why you want to become a teacher. ACET scores it with a rubric shared on the scholarship page.
-
✓Two letters of recommendationProvide two current recommendation letters supporting your paraprofessional work and your teacher preparation plans.
-
✓Proof of teacher preparation enrollmentShow acceptance or enrollment in an accredited Texas teacher education program. Match the documentation ACET lists when the application goes live.
-
✓Employment verification in compensatory educationBe ready to document that you work in an eligible compensatory program and meet the two-year paraprofessional experience requirement.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
How much is the ACET Paraprofessional Scholarship worth?
ACET awards four scholarships of up to $1,000 each per cycle. The money may pay tuition, fees, and required books, and ACET disburses funds directly to the recipient.
Who is eligible for the ACET Paraprofessional Scholarship?
You must be a Texas school district paraprofessional with at least two years of experience, work in a compensatory education program, not hold a bachelor's degree yet, and be enrolled in an accredited Texas teacher certification program.
When is the ACET Paraprofessional Scholarship deadline?
The 2025-26 cycle closed February 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. CST. ACET directs applicants to check back in fall 2026 for 2026-27 dates; late February Central Time has been the annual pattern.
What compensatory programs qualify for ACET paraprofessional awards?
ACET lists Title I, Bilingual/ESL, State Compensatory Education, Migrant, and Homeless among eligible compensatory settings. Your daily duties should tie to one of those federal or state programs.
Can I finish the ACET paraprofessional application later?
Yes. ACET's FAQ states you may start the online form and return to complete it before the posted deadline, as long as the full packet is submitted on time.
Where do I apply for the ACET Paraprofessional Scholarship?
Apply online through links on acetx.org when the window is open. Start at the paraprofessional scholarship page or the Giving Back and Scholarships hub for the current form URL.
Do I need a bachelor's degree for the ACET paraprofessional scholarship?
No. Applicants must not already hold a bachelor's degree. The award is for paraprofessionals who are still earning their first degree while pursuing teacher certification.
How does ACET score paraprofessional scholarship essays?
Regional ACET directors use a rubric published on the scholarship page. Read that rubric before you write so your essay hits the criteria they weight most heavily.
Scholarship Union
More in-depth scholarship guides curated by experts.
Related guides
Always verify scholarship details on the official source before applying. Information on this page may change.
Visit official website