The School of Professional and Applied Sciences, Leadership Studies, and Counseling offers educator preparation programs with several emphases at the undergraduate and graduate level. Learn more about our academic programs.
Grow your Own (GYO) Teachers Initiative
University of Lynchburg is working with your local school division to find students who dream of teaching right in their home communities.
How does it work?
Students who are admitted to the Grow Your Own Teachers program will complete two years of coursework at Central Virginia Community College (CVCC), while also taking selected classes at University of Lynchburg. Upon graduation from CVCC, the remaining two years of coursework will be completed at University of Lynchburg.
All four years of the Grow Your Own Teachers program will use Guided Pathways of instruction to make sure all requirements are met and students are on track for graduation at the end of four years.
Who is eligible?
- Students enrolled in the following school divisions are eligible to apply: Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell, and Lynchburg City.
- The Grow Your Own Teachers Initiative is particularly interested in students who wish to teach in Science Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) or STEM-related content areas.
- Students enrolled in Early College through their home school division and CVCC are also eligible to participate.
What are the benefits?
- Tuition: Students pay CVCC tuition for two years and then benefit from a financial aid package during their final two years at University of Lynchburg.
- Close to home: You will be able to complete your field- work and student teaching in your home school division.
- Support: You will benefit from student supports created just for the Grow Your Own Teachers program, including faculty advisors at both CVCC and University of Lynchburg.
- Teaching Jobs: Students in the Grow Your Own Teachers program will work with their home school divisions for job placement after graduation. Additional incentives will depend upon the policies of the respective school division.
Ready to apply?
- Create your application
- Select non-degree undergraduate on the Enrollment Tab of the Application
- Select “Grow Your Own” as your non-degree category and complete the application
How do I find out more?
- See your school counselor and ask about the Grow Your Own Teachers program.
- For more information, please contact Andrew Bruce.
Noyce Scholarship for STEM Teachers
Want to teach STEM?
The University of Lynchburg will prepare you to teach and reach all students. Schools need more highly qualified teachers in science and math who can reach students of every background. If you’d like to be one of the best teachers in the field, the University of Lynchburg can help you achieve that goal.
The Noyce Scholarship Program for STEM Teachers provides unique opportunities to students who want to teach STEM subjects in today’s diverse classrooms. Qualified students receive outstanding scholarships during their junior and senior years of college that combine with other merit scholarships awarded by Lynchburg.
Student Opportunities
Honor Societies
The opportunities for leadership experiences are reflected in the numerous College service and academic honors received by education students in recent years. Kappa Delta Pi, the national education honor society, complements the academic program of the school.
Conferences
Student development funds are available to attend and present at conferences.
Claytor Nature Center
Science method classes use the outdoor areas and laboratory at the Claytor Nature Center.
Evelyn P. Bickham Scholarship
The Evelyn P. Bickham Scholarship is awarded annually to graduate students in education.
Honors in Major
The School is committed to helping students complete Honors in our majors. Download and complete the application for honors if you wish to apply.
Study Abroad
Our education students have participated in many study abroad programs.
Career Opportunities
We are committed to the successful career placement of our graduates. UL students are supported in their job search efforts by staff in the Career Development Center as well as by faculty. The University sponsors a variety of activities on campus to facilitate the successful launching of careers. Most notably, a jobs fair specifically for those interested in the field of education is held each spring.
Our graduates are well-represented throughout the human services fields. Job placement data indicate that our students fill positions throughout the region in elementary, middle, secondary, and special education and in counseling and administration. Through the interstate reciprocity agreement with forty-five states and the District of Columbia, our graduates find fulfilling positions throughout the nation.
Numerous graduates have been honored as outstanding teachers in their districts (e.g., teacher of the year). Graduates are included in the ranks of superintendents, principals, facility and agency directors, program supervisors, and college professors.
You can search for various jobs at: www.teachers-teachers.com/virginia or www.southernteachers.com.
