Grow Your Own Teacher is a loan forgiveness program for Neosho High School seniors who are aspiring to be K12 educators in our community. The goal is to bring quality educators back home where they can be leaders inside and outside of the classroom. We strongly back the data showing that students excel when they are around teachers with whom they can identify and connect.

How does the GYOT program work?

Selected recipients will receive a financial award to be applied toward their college tuition and will be guaranteed a position on the NSD Team upon graduation. A forgivable loan paid directly to them through the program in the amounts allocated below. Depending on the needs of the recipient, they have the option to accept part or all of the loan annually.

-$1,000 per year ($500 per semester) for the first two years

-$5,000 per year ($2,500 per semester) for up to three additional years

Recipients will be guaranteed a position with Neosho School District following the successful completion of their degree, and the total of the loan will be forgiven at a rate of 20% per year.

If a recipient chooses to leave the program, changes their field of study, or the district and recipient part ways for any reason, the scholarship would convert to a loan to be repaid by the recipient congruent with the GYOT Contract. 

Who is a candidate for GYOT?

Graduate of NHS

Minimum attendance of 95%

Minimum 3.0 GPA

50 tutoring/mentor hours

Pursuing a degree in education from an accredited college or university

How are recipients selected?

GYOT program recipients will be chosen by a committee consisting of an NSD Teacher, administrator, counselor, Foundation representative and Board of Education representative. Priority may be given to applicants entering a highly demanded area in education and/or an underrepresented demographic within Neosho School District.

To maintain scholarship eligibility, recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all course work, a full-time student status and submit grade cards and schedules for each semester.

To receive payment, recipients must participate in the NSD mentoring program, participate in at least one professional development offering from NSD per year and attend a Foundation luncheon or school board meeting per year to give an update on their progress and experience.

Those interested in applying for GYOT should turn in an online application or paper application, along with any supporting documentation by Friday, April 14, 2023 to be considered.