Jenkins Memorial Scholarship for Teacher Education

Scholarship Sponsored by New York State PTA

Overview
The Jenkins Memorial Scholarship was launched in October 1946 as a special Golden Anniversary initiative. In 1947 the fund was made a permanent living memorial to the young people who gave their lives in military service during World War II and was named for Clifford N. Jenkins, Jr. (son of Margaret Jenkins, New York State PTA President 1944–1947 and National PTA President 1961–1964). Its mission is to support exceptional students preparing to enter the teaching profession.

Award amount and payment schedule
Total award: $4,000 paid in installments:
- $1,000 paid at the end of each of the first three academic years (typically at the close of the spring semester), upon receipt of an official transcript verifying compliance with award conditions.
- $1,000 paid after submission of an official transcript confirming course and degree completion and a recommendation for New York State teacher certification.

Who may apply (Eligibility)
Applicants must be public high school seniors who:
- Intend to prepare for a career in teaching.
- Plan to enroll in a State University of New York (SUNY) institution for a baccalaureate degree in education, OR plan to attend a two-year community college and subsequently transfer into a SUNY baccalaureate program in education.
- Attend a New York State high school that has a PTA/PTSA unit in good standing.

Selection criteria
Applicants will be evaluated on character and personality, academic achievement, and demonstrated potential as future teachers.

Scholarship obligations and conditions
Recipients must comply with the following:
- Official education curriculum transcripts must be mailed to the New York State PTA office within 60 days after the close of each academic year.
- If the recipient changes their education major to another field, they must notify the NYS PTA office immediately; the scholarship will be terminated at that time.
- Before the final installment is released, the scholar must provide documentation of graduation and a recommendation for New York State teacher certification.

Application process and instructions
- Applications will be posted on the New York State PTA website (nyspta.org) after September 15. Guidance counselors at high schools with PTAs in good standing will be notified when applications are available.
- Each high school may nominate up to two (2) candidates.

Part A — Instructions to applicants (please print or type)
1. The PTA president must complete and sign the PTA Unit information at the top of the form. Leaving that section blank will disqualify the application.
2. Follow all directions and answer every question on the form fully and clearly.
3. The official transcript is the only attachment permitted. Additional sheets (including essays or recommendation letters) attached instead of using the designated spaces will not be considered.
4. The application must bear the signatures of both the student and a parent or guardian.
5. Complete the student portion of the application.
6. Give the recommendation portion to your principal, guidance counselor, or a teacher to complete. The school guidance office should mail the student portion, the completed recommendation section, and the transcript together to the NYS PTA state office.

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

Review and interview process
A review panel made up of educators and members of the New York State PTA Governance Team will screen applications. Candidates who advance past the initial review will be invited to a personal interview in March; interview locations are listed on the application. Candidates must participate in the entire interview session to remain eligible.

Notification and acceptance
Winners (Jenkins Scholars) are typically notified on or about May 1. Awardees will receive an award agreement that must be signed and returned to the New York State PTA office to accept the scholarship.