St. Joseph School District Partners with MoWest to Expand Teaching Scholarships

March 27, 2026 - The St. Joseph School District is excited to announce a new partnership with the Missouri Western State University Foundation to provide additional scholarship opportunities for participants in the district's Grow Your Own and Pathway to Teaching programs.

The Missouri Western State University Foundation has generously contributed a one-time gift of $8,000 to support these programs. The funds will be awarded to select program recipients who choose to enroll at MoWest as part of their participation in the district's teacher preparation initiatives.

The Grow Your Own Program provides students the opportunity to pursue a teaching career in the St. Joseph School District. Selected students may receive up to $4,000 a year for four years, participate in summer professional development, and gain employment with the district upon graduation and teacher certification. Recipients are required to teach for the SJSD at least one year for every year of participation in the program.

The Pathway to Teaching Program supports current district employees with a bachelor's degree in fields outside of education who wish to become certified teachers. Recipients may receive up to $4,000 annually for up to two years to cover costs of teacher certification at an approved college or university. In return, participants commit to teaching in the district for at least three years after certification.

"The partnership with MoWest and the generosity of the Missouri Western State University Foundation strengthens our commitment to cultivating homegrown educators," said Superintendent Dr. Ashly McGinnis. "These scholarships make it more achievable for both students and current employees to pursue a teaching career and serve our community."

"This investment reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of educators right here in our community," said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, MoWest president. "By supporting students who are passionate about teaching, we are helping to build a stronger future for our schools and our region."

For more information about the Grow Your Own Program or Pathway to Teaching Program, visit the St. Joseph School District website or contact Director of Human Resources, Mark Korell at [email protected].