Critical Needs Alternate Route Teacher Loan/Scholarship Program (CNAR)

Critical Needs Alternate Route Teacher Loan/Scholarship Program (CNAR)

Program Overview
The primary objectives of this program are to provide education opportunities for students who wish to become classroom teachers and address Mississippi’s teacher shortage by providing a constant source of qualified classroom teachers for our public schools. CNAR awards will be made available, to the extent of appropriated funds, to persons seeking a first bachelor’s degree at one Mississippi institution of higher learning in exchange for employment as a classroom teacher in a Mississippi Teacher Critical Shortage Area or Subject Area after completion of an alternate route certification program.

Important Dates
Application dates: January 1st - March 31st
Document deadline: July 31st
The dates are important as the number of awards and recipients are dependent upon available funds.

Eligibility
You are eligible if all of the following apply:
You are seeking a first Bachelor’s degree and plan to enroll in a program of study leading to an alternative route teacher license immediately after completing bachelor's degree.
You have a cumulative 2.5 GPA.
You have at least junior status at one of Mississippi’s 4-year institutions.
You are enrolled for at least 6 credit hours.
You can show proof of passing the Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills.
Click here for a complete listing of eligibility requirements.

Award Amount
The annual award amount for full-time students at a Mississippi public college or university shall equal the total cost for tuition, room and board, not to exceed an amount equal to the highest total cost of tuition, room and meals assessed by a State Institution of Higher Learning. The award amount is prorated for part time students.
CNAR recipients are not eligible for any other state aid.
The award shall be suspended should a recipient fail to maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA for the subsequent period of enrollment.

Service Obligation
The loan to service obligation can be discharged on the basis of one year’s teaching service for one year of full-time loan/scholarship received. The service must be rendered as a licensed classroom teacher in a MS public school district located in a critical teacher or subject shortage area.

To Apply
Complete the online application by the application date of March 31. This online application must be completed each academic year whether you are a prior recipient or a first-time applicant.
Submit passing scores for the Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills. Send scores to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211.
Read the CNAR Entrance Counseling document; print and keep for your records; sign and date the final page titled “CNTP Entrance Counseling Participation Sheet;" and send it to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211.

Frequently Asked Questions
Doesn’t your office automatically receive my Praxis I scores?
No. Scores are automatically sent to the Mississippi Department of Education for licensure requirements and not the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid. Students must mail in a copy of their passing Praxis I scores to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid to be considered to receive CNAR. Scores may be submitted after the March 31st deadline.
The CNAR program requires applicants to have passed Praxis 1. My school does not require me to take the test prior to admission, can this requirement be waived?
No. All CNAR recipients must submit proof that they have passed Praxis 1.
Upon graduation, do I get to choose the Critical Needs area in which to teach or am I just placed in a teaching job?
The Mississippi Teacher Center will assist CNAR participants in arranging placement interviews with Mississippi public school districts; however, it is the responsibility of the participant to secure a teaching position.
CNAR pays tuition plus average cost of room and board. What if I live off campus or move off campus?
The amount of CNAR remains the same if a student lives on or off campus.
Is CNAR available to me for summer school?
No. CNAR is available during the regular academic year only.
I am about to graduate. What’s next?
The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid (MOSFA) has contracted with ACS Campus Products in Utica, NY, to service our loan/scholarship accounts by ensuring compliance with service or repayment terms. Upon graduation, you will receive communication from ACS. We ask that all recipients respond promptly to any and all correspondence you receive from ACS regarding your account. You may still contact MOSFA should you have questions or need assistance.