27m(7) First-Time Candidate Grant

The 27m(7) First-Time Candidate Grant is administered by the Michigan Department of Education as part of its broader efforts to support educator retention, development, and recognition through National Board Certification. This certification, developed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, is widely recognized as a high standard for teacher excellence. The grant program is designed to incentivize and financially support teachers working in high-need environments, specifically those employed in schoolwide Title I buildings, to pursue National Board Certification for the first time. The primary purpose of this grant is to reduce the financial burden associated with National Board Certification by reimbursing eligible teachers for certification-related expenses. The funding supports the completion of up to four certification components, as well as application fees over a multi-year period. By focusing on first-time candidates, the program aims to expand the pool of highly qualified educators and improve instructional quality in schools serving economically disadvantaged populations. Funding under this program is structured to cover specific certification-related costs. Teachers may receive reimbursement for up to four components at a fixed rate per component, as well as application fees distributed over three years. The grant is not a lump sum award but rather tied to successful completion of certification components. Funds must be used in accordance with state law, which requires that all awarded funds be expended by the end of the fiscal year following the year in which the funds were received. Any unspent funds must be reported and returned according to statutory timelines. Eligibility for the grant is limited to Michigan teachers who are employed in schoolwide Title I schools and are pursuing National Board Certification for the first time. Eligible applicants must hold a valid or expired Michigan teaching certificate and be employed by a district or intermediate district in a teaching capacity. This includes traditional classroom teachers as well as those serving in teacher leadership roles such as mentors or instructional coaches, provided the role does not require an administrator certificate. Importantly, individual teachers do not apply directly; instead, local education agencies, including school districts and intermediate school districts, must submit applications on behalf of eligible educators. The application process for the Fiscal Year 27 Round 4 cycle is scheduled to open on August 18, 2026, and close on September 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Applications are reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, which emphasizes the importance of timely submission. The award period is tentatively scheduled for December 2026, at which time funds will be distributed to districts through state aid payments. Districts are then responsible for disbursing funds to eligible teachers. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers specified for this program. However, districts are encouraged to prepare application materials in advance using templates and guidance provided during the application window. Evaluation is primarily based on eligibility and completeness, given the first-come, first-served structure rather than a competitive scoring rubric. The grant operates on a recurring annual cycle aligned with Michigan’s fiscal year structure. Each round follows a similar timeline, with applications opening in late summer and awards distributed in December. Recipients must adhere to strict spending deadlines and reporting requirements, including submission of expenditure reports and return of unspent funds if applicable. For additional information or support, applicants may contact the Michigan Department of Education via the program’s official email address.