Howard County Council Bill 14-2023 established the Student Loan Assistance Program for HCPSS teachers. The program provides $225,000 per year for five years to help eligible certificated HCPSS staff repay their student loans.
To be eligible for funding through the Student Loan Assistance Program, an HCPSS employee must meet the following the criteria:
- Be a current, full-time, permanent HCPSS employee
- Be a member of the Howard County Education Association (HCEA) certificated bargaining unit.
- Have received a graduate, professional, or undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- Have been employed with the HCPSS full-time for 5 school years
- Possesses one of the following certifications:
- Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC)
- Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I)
- Standard Professional Certificate II (SPC II)
- Advanced Professional Certificate (APC)
- Not currently in default on any of their student loans
- Have incurred at least $20K in student loan debt for any education loan used for undergraduate or graduate study obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses.
- Have a remaining balance of $5K or more on their student loan
Applications for the Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program will be accepted between February 3 and March 31, 2025. The application will be posted on the Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program website.
The amount of money awarded to each applicant will be determined by the Howard County government. Applicants will receive an email no later than May 31, 2025, outlining the amount of their award.
More information about the Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program is available in these FAQs and on the HCPSS website.
Should you require assistance, please email TeachersLoanAssistance@hcpss.org with your inquiry.