Gwynedd Mercy University is offering scholarships that are aimed at building teacher ranks in the Wissahickon School District, writes Kim Hudson for CBS News Philadelphia.

The university works with the district to find students who plan to come back and work at one of the local schools.

Cinai Lazarus is one such student.

“My guidance counselor knew that I was interested in becoming a teacher,” said Lazarus. “And, she thought I would be a great fit.”

There is currently a great need for more educators. A Penn State analysis found that 7.7 percent of Pennsylvania teachers left the profession last school year.

That is over 9,500 teachers, which is a record number. Gwynedd Mercy is hoping to help reverse this trend.

The scholarship program is currently in its third year.

“When they graduate, they’ll come back to teach — I believe between [grades] K and 5 — because the program you usually get certified at pre-K to 4 in Pennsylvania, so they will teach somewhere in there,” said Gwynedd Mercy University President Deanne D’Emilio.

Students who receive the scholarship must teach for the district a minimum of four years after graduating.

Read more about the Gwynedd Mercy University scholarships at CBS News Philadelphia.

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