The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) is proud to announce a $2,555,000 grant from the
Scharbauer Foundation which will fund initiatives to strengthen the Midland education and
behavioral health workforce.
This funding will provide scholarships for Midland ISD employees pursuing teacher certification at
UTPB, tuition for UTPB students accepted into the Midland ISD Registered Teacher Apprenticeship
Program and paid clinical placements for UTPB Behavioral Health students completing their
required hours at the new Behavioral Health Hospital and other partnering Midland organizations.
“We are deeply thankful for this investment from the Scharbauer Foundation, which represents a
meaningful step toward addressing critical workforce needs in the Permian Basin,” said UTPB
President Dr. Sandra Woodley. “By supporting education and healthcare pathways, we are
empowering individuals to advance their careers while ensuring our communities have the skilled
professionals we need to thrive.”
"These grants reflect Scharbauer Foundation's commitment to supporting local educators and
expanding mental health resources in our community," said Mary Ann Beninati, CEO and President
of Scharbauer Foundation. "This partnership with UT Permian Basin will prepare future teachers and
mental health professionals to serve our community where they are needed most."
Teacher certification program
Midland ISD employees will receive funding that covers:
• Tuition for five required certification courses
• All costs associated with taking teacher certification exams
Interested students simply need to apply to UTPB to be considered and verify employment with
MISD. Up to 200 scholarships are available in 2026, and 200 scholarships are available in 2027. The
teacher certification program is designed for working professionals and offered in an accelerated,
eight-week cohort format. The next cohort begins March 16, with applications due by March 1.
Midland ISD employees interested in the teacher certification program are encouraged to apply
early. For more information about eligibility, application deadlines, and program details, visit
utpb.edu/teachmidland.
Teacher Apprenticeship Program
The Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program is a “grow your own” model that allows participants
who are already working in Midland ISD schools to earn their certification through UTPB at no cost.
Apprentices receive mentoring, hands-on classroom experience, and support throughout the
process. This program will support 40 MISD teacher apprentices annually (selected by the district),
covers tuition, textbooks, program coordination, training, and mentoring costs, and includes 2–3
years of integrated coursework, clinical practice, and supervised teaching. Those interested in this
apprenticeship program should contact futureteacher@utpb.edu.
Behavioral Health Clinic Support
Additionally, a portion of the grant funding will support the expansion of Midland’s behavioral health
workforce, an area of significant need in our region. Paid internships will assist UTPB students
pursuing master’s degrees in social work by providing financial support for their required clinical
hours, as previous grants provided for students pursuing psychology and mental health counseling.
The Scharbauer Foundation’s grant will fund paid clinical placements for UTPB students completing
their required hours at the new Behavioral Health Hospital and other partnering organizations
throughout Midland. Those interested in this opportunity should email impactbhs@utpb.edu.
