In July 2019 Local 683 set out to address the teacher shortage by providing scholarships to District 215 graduates who expressed interest in entering the teaching profession. In November of 2019 Local 683 hosted a trivia night to secure additional funding for scholarships. Local 683 distributed additional scholarships to students who successfully completed District 215's Future Teacher Summer Academy in 2021, 2022, and 2023. In an effort to provide more resources to District 215 students and to continue working collaboratively with the District 215 Administration and Board of Education, the executive board of Local 683 authorized the creation of the IFT Local 683 Education Foundation NFP. Since 2024 the Education Foundation has awarded scholarships to graduates who have completed the Future Teacher Summer Academy. Additionally, the Education Foundation has also awarded scholarships to District 215 graduates while they were completing their student teaching.
Future Teacher Summer Academy Scholarship Criteria:
-District 215 graduate
-Successfully complete District 215's Future Teacher Summer Academy
Student Teacher Scholarship Criteria:
-District 215 graduate
-Enrolled in an accredited degree granting institution
-Must be student teaching or completing an internship in a K-12 school setting at the time of application
-Application windows:
Fall Semester: August 15-September 15
Spring Semester: January 15-February 15