FAIRHOPE — From what started with four recipients and $2,000, the Baldwin Proud Future Teacher Scholarship had a sold-out crowd at its fourth annual fundraiser, Evening of Education Champions, hosted by Baldwin County Education Coalition on Feb. 27.

According to Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at Baldwin County Public Schools (BCPS), Eric West, the idea for a scholarship came to Tiffany Wilson — then serving in his current position — during a teacher shortage seen nationwide post-COVID-19.

The scholarship is for high school seniors who plan to enter the field of education after graduating college and become one of Baldwin County’s future teachers.

BCPS Superintendent Eddie Tyler said this scholarship supports students and teachers in the process of “growing our own.”

Terry Burkle, executive director of Baldwin County Education Coalition, said the scholarship funds totaled $16,000 in 2022. Last year, they gave out $56,000 in scholarships.

“Proceeds from this event have increased from $30,000 our first year to what we anticipate to exceed more than $75,000 tonight,” Burkle said of the Evening of Education Champions event. “… Through your generosity, the Baldwin Proud Future Teacher Scholarship fund is doing exactly what it was created to do. It’s opening doors for aspiring educators, it’s strengthening our local teacher pipeline and it’s investing in the future of our classrooms.”

Applications for the scholarship are open until March 9. Students can apply at https://bcec.awardspring.com/.