CCU Awarded $500K Grant for Teacher Prep
Daniels Fund grant seeks to advance school choice initiatives in Colorado through teacher education.
Colorado Christian University (CCU), the leading interdenominational Christian university in the Rocky Mountain region, is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Daniels Fund to create a pipeline of exceptional teachers for Colorado schools. The grant will fund teacher education, with a focus on preparing students for careers in faith-based education and charter schools.
"I am thrilled to partner with the Daniels Fund to empower and support future educators,” said Eric K. Hogue, president of CCU. “This grant will increase the teacher pipeline for Christ-centered education, transforming communities as CCU teachers graduate and impact thousands of students."
The Daniels Fund grant invested in CCU’s SCOORE (Scholarships and Collaboration Offering Opportunities for Reforming Education) project in Colorado. CCU will offer scholarships to support the training of teachers and provide direct support including coaching and collaborative opportunities with private, faith-based and charter schools in Colorado.
"We look forward to enhancing our existing relationships and building new partnerships with Colorado private and charter schools,” said Dr. Marla Lohmann, associate professor and program director of special education and alternative licensing programs at CCU. “Specifically, we will partner with Christian schools to develop a Colorado-based collaborative and team with charter schools to train teachers in the implementation of individualized education programs for students with disabilities."
The grant will support 92 teachers, making it possible to complete their education and fill needed positions in private and charter schools throughout Colorado. The alternative licensure program can be completed in one academic year, and allows a combination of classroom teaching and graduate coursework as individuals work toward their teaching license.
“The Daniels Fund believes strongly in empowering families with educational choices that give every student the opportunity to thrive,” said Hanna Skandera, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “Great educators are at the heart of excellent schools, and we’re excited to invest in this program to develop skilled and passionate teachers.”
The Daniels Fund is a charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. It was established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels and has provided more than $1 billion in grants and scholarships since 2000.