A new group of high school graduates planning to become teachers will receive a West Virginia scholarship worth up to $40,000 over four years, officials said.

A total of 27 seniors were chosen for the third cohort of Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars, according to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

The program aims to help address teacher shortages in the fields of math, science, special education and elementary education. Recipients agree to teach in one of those fields in West Virginia for at least five years after graduation.

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27 West Virginia students who plan on becoming teachers will be awarded scholarships worth up to $40,000. 

Each recipient is paired with a practicing classroom teacher mentor who offers guidance through college, the commission said in a news release.

WV HAS FOUR PROJECTS BEING FUNDED BY THE APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION

Students receive up to $10,000 per year, or a total of $40,000.

Anyone who wants to be considered for the 2023 cohort may apply beginning July 15.