The Patricia Cassin Graft Student Teacher Assistance Fund

Endowed by Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Graft, Sr. and sustained entirely by the generosity of the Graft family, other alumni and friends, the Patricia Cassin Graft Student Teacher Assistance Fund:

• Has provided more than $200,000 in scholarship awards since 2003. This number continues to grow.

• Is available to as many as 12 National College of Education students annually as they begin their student teaching terms.

• Covers students' tuition for their student teaching internship, relieving the financial stress of this most critical phase of teacher training.

• Requires recipients to teach in low-income and ethnically diverse under-served schools in Illinois impacting the children and communities with the greatest need.

• Assists a diverse group of future teachers including career-changers, single mothers and first-generation degree seekers from all walks of life.