Sophia Chapa has her eye on becoming an elementary school teacher. She’s hoping to teach third grade or above, though a recent day as a substitute in a kindergarten classroom has her considering younger students as well.
Not having to stress about paying for school would make a big difference, Chapa said. Instead, she could focus on building her savings — some of which she would invest in her future classroom.
Through a new partnership with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the Charles Butt Foundation is offering up to $8,000 annually for aspiring teachers who commit to taking a job that addresses Texas’ teacher shortage.
Chapa, a first-year student at the university who earned an associate degree while attending Collegiate High School in Corpus Christi, was among two dozen students who gathered at the campus Friday evening to work on applications for the scholarship.
“I personally have always wanted to be a teacher,” Chapa said. “Something that really drives me is just giving back to my community the way that they have given to me. A lot of teachers affected my life in positive ways.”