Loy "Come Back to Teach" Education Grants

Loy "Come Back to Teach" Education Grants

Funder: Winchester Education Foundation Inc (VA, US)

Geographic Scope: Winchester Public Schools, Winchester, Virginia

Funding Source: Testamentary trust of the late Mindy J. Loy, John Handley Class of 1974

Purpose & Goals

These grants assist John Handley High School graduates who pursue careers as educators, administrators, and other certificated professionals in the Winchester Public Schools. The program aims to:
• Assist Handley High School graduates who "come back" to serve as educators, administrators, and certificated professionals in Winchester Public Schools
• Promote recruitment and retention of outstanding education professionals by WPS
• Promote a racially and ethnically diverse professional faculty by encouraging employment of persons from underrepresented populations

Eligibility

• Must be a graduate of John Handley High School
• Must be employed as an educator, administrator, or other certificated professional in Winchester Public Schools
• Can be newly hired staff or current staff members

Award Uses

Award money can be used for:
• Tuition reimbursement
• Student debt retirement
• Tuition for obtaining advanced degrees

Award Amounts

• Newly hired professionals: $5,000
• Current/continuing staff: $2,500

Program History

• First grants awarded in 2018-2019 school year
• As of 2025, foundation has awarded more than $150,000 in "Come Back to Teach" grants
• 2025 awards: 6 total grants ($5,000 each for 5 new hires, $2,500 for 1 current staff member)

Contact

Winchester Education Foundation winchestereducationfoundation.org