For More Information Contact: Nathan Stratton, Director of Financial Aid North Dakota University System Phone: 701.328.2960 E-mail: nathan.stratton@ndus.edu
BISMARCK, N.D. - 368 North Dakota teachers serving in designated shortage areas received awards for $1,000 each in student loan forgiveness this year through a teacher incentive program aimed at retaining elementary and secondary teachers in the state. The awards represent an increase of over 20 percent in program recipients from last year, based on strong demand for the program this year and effective partnerships for outreach to the K-12 sector.
According to North Dakota University System Chancellor Ham Shirvani, the program reduces student loan indebtedness by $1,000 per year up to a maximum of three years for K-12 teachers. His office works closely with the Superintendent of Public Instruction in identifying the critical shortage areas, which now exist in 18 subject areas statewide. The Teacher Shortage Loan Forgiveness Program was first approved by the North Dakota Legislature during the 2001 Legislative Session.
