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Martinez Fellows Scholarship Program 2013-14

Seattle Pacific University is privileged to partner with the Martinez Foundation and the Barney Foundation to offer scholarships to graduate students of color who wish to become teachers and help eliminate the achievement gap in Washington public schools.

The Martinez Foundation, under the leadership of President of the Board of Directors Holli Martinez, an SPU alumna, is doing ground-breaking work in making long-term, positive impacts on student academic achievement.

The Martinez Fellows Scholarship is an annual, nonrecurring award of $5,000 for two incoming students enrolled in one of SPU's graduate teacher education programs. Two scholarships are awarded per year, beginning in the 2013-14 academic year.

Distinctives of This Scholarship

If you are a student of color who is passionate about teaching in an underserved area and making a difference in the lives of your students, this scholarship is for you. As a recipient of this scholarship, you become a Martinez Fellow and receive the following benefits:

  • Access to support programs that prepare you to make a long-term, positive impact on your students' academic success. 
  • Invitation to the annual Martinez Fellows Summer Institute, where you can develop strong bonds with other Fellows, meet experts in your field, and gain valuable contacts and information.
  • Ability to participate in quarterly professional development seminars that focus on skills for teaching in high-need environments and building relationships with local communities.
  • One-to-one mentoring programs to assist you with classroom management, effective teaching strategies, and overcoming the challenges that often lead to teacher burnout.

All activities are geared toward helping Fellows become effective leaders in underserved classrooms.

Scholarship Process and Timeline

The School of Education is responsible for submitting qualified candidates to the Martinez Foundation for consideration to become a Martinez Fellow. Applications and interviews will take place during Winter and Spring quarters each year.

Candidates are drawn from SPU's graduate applicant pool. The successful candidate will show promise as an effective educator, demonstrate leadership ability, come from an under-represented minority background, and have financial need. Additional desired characteristics and requirements include:

  • Commitment to teach in Washington state public schools for a minimum of three years.
  • Commitment to helping eliminate the achievement gap in Washington state.
  • Belief that all students can succeed.
  • Demonstrated leadership potential.
  • Desire to participate in a cohort of Fellows committed to lifelong professional development and excellence in teaching.

How to Apply

Martinez Fellows Scholarships are awarded annually to two qualified candidates who meet the requirements outlined above. To apply for a Martinez Fellows Scholarship through Seattle Pacific University, you must complete this application.

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Takiyah Jackson

The Martinez Foundation

Teachers are at the heart of our society and play a central role in addressing the widening achievement gap in Washington and across the nation. Through the Martinez Fellows Scholarship Program, the Martinez Foundation prepares and supports diverse and highly-qualified teachers who will raise expectations, accelerate learning, and work to close this opportunity gap.

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