The Mary F. English Technology Award Program (MFETAP) was established at Illinois State University in Fall 2001 to assist and support selected students in pursuing the teaching professions and to encourage the use of technology in the classroom once they enter the field. This program is made possible with an endowment from benefactors, Dr. Robert and Mary English, who have an interest in the recruitment and retention of disadvantaged students in teacher education.

What are the benefits of the MFETAP?

Recipients of this award, referred to as English Scholars, will receive a new lap top computer and color printer for their personal and professional use.

How many awards are available?

Twenty (20) students are selected annually to receive the Mary F. English Technology Award. Ten awards were presented at the beginning of the Fall 2009 semester. Ten awards will also be presented at the beginning of the Spring 2010 semester.

Who is eligible to receive this award?

The Mary F. English Technology award is open to new freshmen, new transfer students and continuing Illinois State University students who meet certain criteria. Award recipients will be selected from a pool of students who meet the following eligibility criteria:

Declared major in a teacher education program
U. S. citizen
Plan to enroll as a full-time student during the 2009-2010 academic year
Maximum of 60 earned credit hours
Demonstrated financial need or is a member of an underrepresented group

All new freshmen applicants must also have:

A minimum composite ACT score of 21
A minimum high school cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale

All new transfer students and all continuing Illinois State University students must also have:

A minimum transfer or Illinois State University cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale

What is required of MFETA recipients?

MFETA recipients must:

Maintain full time enrollment at Illinois State University in a teacher education program for a minimum of two consecutive academic years.
Provide up to date personal contact information (local address, local telephone, and email address) each semester.
Meet periodically (minimum of once per semester) with MFETA program staff to discuss academic progress and concerns.
Participate in a minimum of three (3) of the one-hour weekly Career Path Chat sessions during the Fall 2010 semester with various faculty as guest speakers.
Complete a group research project with other MEFTA recipients during the Spring 2011 semester.
Promptly return the lap top computer and printer to the MFETA program staff if (1) the recipient leaves Illinois State University for any reason within the two-year period following the acceptance of this award, (2) pursues a non-teacher education program within the two-year period following the acceptance of this award, or (3) fails to complete the required research project during Spring 2011. Failure to comply could result in an encumbrance on the recipient's University records and a requirement to make full restitution for the cost of the computer, software and printer.

How do I apply for this award?

If you wish to be considered for the Spring 2010 Mary F. English Technology Award and have been admitted to Illinois State University for the Spring 2010 semester or are a current Illinois State student, you must submit your application by December 4, 2009 for full consideration. Recipients of the Spring 2010 award will be notified by December 18, 2009.

Complete the application online today!