Gwynedd Mercy University and the Wissahickon School District are collaborating as part of a new initiative designed not only to combat a teaching shortage plaguing the schools, but also to increase diversity .

The effort comes in the form of the new Wissahickon and Gwynedd Mercy University Opportunity Scholarship, which provides a four-year, full-tuition award to a 2024 graduate of Wissahickon High School. The student will enroll in Gwynedd Mercy to study early education and then return to the school district of their alma mater to teach kindergarten through 4th grade.

The scholarship and its first recipient, Cinai Lazarus, 18, of Ambler, were announced Tuesday at a ceremony at Wissahickon High School.

The scholarship aimed at increasing the pool of qualified teachers is also designed to increase diversity among teachers in the Wissahickon School District. A series of recent studies show that a diverse teaching staff and school environment benefit students, especially youngsters of color, and can positively impact achievement.

“The benefits of this program cannot be overstated. Not only will Gwynedd Mercy University be a recipient of a motivated, talented and diverse teaching candidate like Cinai, but the Wissahickon schools will benefit from the inspired alumni coming back home to teach and serve,” Gwynedd Mercy President Deanne H. D'Emilio said in a statement. “Now more than ever, students deserve teachers who understand them and their backgrounds." 

 The award is funded by the university and an anonymous donor.