Ten OLLU students have been chosen to receive the prestigious Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers, an award of $8,000 per year for each student who works toward teacher certification.

The Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers – one component of the Raising Texas Teachers initiative – is designed to support promising students to consider a future in the teaching profession.

“We are proud that our students continue to be recognized as Charles Butt Scholars,” said Alycia Mauer, PhD, Associate Professor of Education and Education Department Chair. “We have had 50 students receive this scholarship since 2018.”

This year’s recipients are: Alisa Amaya, senior; Samantha Amaya, sophomore; Allie Gonzales, junior; Camila Hernandez, freshman; De’Jon Lewis, sophomore; Nancy Martinez, senior; Jessica Olivas, sophomore; Daniela Ponce, junior;l Alondra Toledo, senior; and Aidan Wollenzier, a freshman.  

Every Charles Butt Scholar has committed to teaching in majority economically disadvantaged Texas public schools or in hard-to-fill subject areas, such as math and science.

In addition to the financial award, each scholar will receive professional development opportunities, mentorship from public school educators and will participate in a statewide aspiring teachers network facilitated by the Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation.