Underwood Smith

Preliminary Application

for the 2025-26 Academic Year

The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars program aims to help high-achieving students like you find a rewarding career as a West Virginia teacher in the fields of science, math, special education, and elementary education. Complete the preliminary application below to find out if you meet the minimum qualifications for our state’s most prestigious scholarship. Those who meet the minimum qualifications will receive an invitation by email to submit a full application. Click here to learn more about the program requirements and the application process. Fields marked with an asterisk ( * ) are required.

Identifying Information

First Name* First Name is required

Last Name* Last Name is required

Social Security Number* SSN is required

Re-enter SSN* Re-enter SSN is required

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)* DOB is required

Contact Information

Primary Email Address* Primary Email is required

Alternate Email Address

Mailing Address* Address is required

City* City is required

State* State is required

ZIP* ZIP is required

Home Phone

Mobile Phone Mobile Phone is required

I want to receive text messages (see policy below)

Text Messaging Opt-in

By selecting this option and submitting this online form, you agree to receive text-based communication from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education and its affiliates. You may also receive information from colleges and universities in West Virginia, If you later confirm your intent to enroll at one of the below-listed schools.Your information will not be shared with institutions other than those to which you have indicated interest, nor will your information be utilized by vendors or other third-party organizations.Standard text-messaging rates apply and you are responsible for any costs incurred in receiving texts.You may opt-out at any time by replying STOP to any text sent.

Education

Which type of high school diploma will you have earned by the end of the 2025-26 school year?* HS diploma is required

High School Graduation Year*

College Plans

In which teaching field do you plan to pursue a career?* Teaching Field is required

Primary Institution *

Choose from the list below the primary institution to which you plan to apply. You may choose only one. Primary Inst is required

Certification, Authorization and Agreement

By submitting this application, I certify that the information reported above and on any other document or writing in connection with this application is true, correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize the release and exchange of information between the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC), guidance counselors, educational institutions and educational state agencies, and agree that such information exchanged may include financial, enrollment, academic status, identification, legal residency, financial aid eligibility status and location information necessary to assure proper administration of these financial aid programs.

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

2001 Union Carbide Drive | South Charleston, WV 25303

304-558-4618 (phone) | 855-292-1415 (fax)