Columbia College, Newberry College partner to co-host South Carolina Teaching Fellows program

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)–  Columbia College and Newberry College have been selected as co-hosts for the South Carolina Teaching Fellows program, according to a press release.

The fellowship, which will have the first cohort opening in fall 2025, is administered by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention & Advancement, recruits talented high school seniors to become teachers in South Carolina.

The program is hosted by 14 higher education institutions across the state, four of which are private, according to officials.

Dr. Tracy West, Dean of the Division of Education at Columbia College, shared, “Teaching Fellows has been an important piece of educator preparation in the Division of Education at Columbia College, and we are excited to bring this opportunity to our students once again! Partnering with Newberry College, where students can either choose to become a Columbia College Koala or a Newberry Wolf, is a recipe for success that can propel the program’s evolution forward.”

Across the state, up to 230 fellowships are awarded yearly to prospective college students who exhibit academic achievement, service to school and community, and a desire to teach in South Carolina.

Once enrolled at the college of their choice, Teaching Fellows participate in advanced enrichment programs with unique professional and leadership development opportunities.

Each fellow receives up to $24,000, or up to $6,000 per year for four years, toward completion of their degree.

“We are thrilled that Teaching Fellows is back at Newberry College!”. The pinnacle piece of this program is our partnership with Columbia College. Both colleges are positioned to fully support fellows through experiential learning, specialized advisement and instruction, financial support, advocacy, and more,” said Dr. Susan Fernandez, Dean of Education at Newberry.

Applications for the fall 2025 Teaching Fellows cohort open in September. Interested students must apply for Teaching Fellows fellowships during their final year of high school.

To apply for Teaching Fellows, visit cerra.org.