LIFT-Loan Initiative for Future Teachers
0
Days Left
to Enter

The LIFT program is designed to encourage talented students to enter the teaching profession and teach in the Salina Public Schools (USD 305). Recipients sign an agreement to complete the program of study leading to a teaching degree and to teach one year for each year of recipient support.

Recipients receive up to $5,000 each academic year for three years starting their sophomore year. Graduate work can be funded if it is required for initial teacher certification.

Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible to apply to the LIFT program, each recipient must:

  • be a Saline County resident attending any Saline County school, work for a Saline County school, or attend a Saline County university.
  • enroll or plan to enroll in a qualified undergraduate program or graduate program leading to initial teacher certification.
  • submit the completed application with all required documents by January 31, no later than 4:45 PM.

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria comprise the applicant pool and will be given consideration based on relative academic strength and teaching potential. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who are in their final two years of study in teacher education. Applicants who are beginning their first year of post-secondary education may be selected, with support beginning after the recipient successfully reaches sophomore status. The LIFT program accepts applicants with degrees but who have not received an initial teacher certification. The Salina Education Foundation will require a personal interview as part of the application process.

Recipient Obligations
Recipients are advised to be seriously committed to teaching in the Salina Public Schools (USD 305) for each year of loan support and are required to sign a Statement of Commitment and Intent. If the recipient selects a different major outside the teaching profession or does not teach in Salina Public Schools, the loan becomes due with interest accruing from the date of the voucher or check date. Payments will not be deferred. Postponement of repayment may be authorized by the Salina Education Foundation under specific conditions outlined in the Loan Agreement.