Mrs. O’s Pre-Teacher Scholarship

This year we are proud to announce our inaugural Mrs. O’s Pre-Teacher Scholarship dedicated to the Walton High School Teaching and the Professions School! This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first class of the Pre-Teaching Academy at Walton High School. Founded in 1984 by Mrs. Phyllis Opochinsky, students were provided with the opportunity to assist teachers in classrooms, work with students on classwork and homework, write term papers and earn college credits through Lehman College. 

AWARDS

The Bronx Achievement Foundation, Inc., Scholarship Awards are merit-based and awarded to qualified students with a consideration of financial need. All recipients shall be in pursuit of a 4-years Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and as described by the respective scholarship criteria. 

Scholarships are for one semester/ first year, non-renewable unless otherwise indicated in the award description. To apply for a BAF Scholarship, you must complete the attached application and provide the following supporting documents as instructed in the application.

Below is the necessary information to apply for the Mrs. O’s Pre-Teacher Scholarship Award for the 2025 Fall Semester. Required documents:

  • Fully completed application.

  • High School Transcript & SAT Scores/College Transcript

  • Essay (answering the provided question)

  • Three Letters of References (non-family member), to include one current schoolteacher/administrator (i.e. Principal, Teacher or Guidance Counselor) and community leader.

  • Letter of acceptance from an institution of higher learning (college or trade school) for the 2025 Fall semester

  • Clearly legible photo ID and Photo Identification (Preferably High School yearbook professionally headshot)

  • Mandatory required attendance to receive the scholarship:

    • Week of April 6, 2025 - Zoom Interview evening hours.

Please, also note that all applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025 to be considered for Fall scholarship. A High School Transcript and clearly legible photo ID (no driver’s license photo please) are required, along with a Letter of Acceptance from the university or college before the application can be processed.

Timeline

  • Application opens: December 1, 2024

  • Submission deadline: March 31, 2025

  • Interview: April 6, 2025

  • Applicant notifications: April 15, 2025

  • Scholarship Award Gala: June TBD, 2025

  • Scholarship Disbursement: August 2025

Eligibility

  • Walton Campus, Teaching and the Professions High School Senior

  • Achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.8 out of 4.0 or higher

  • Current resident of Bronx, NY

  • Letter of acceptance from an institution of higher learning