Special Funds and Scholarships

McBride and CARE funds are maintained by the support and generous annual donations from Springfield PTA/PTSA units and other groups and individuals. If you would like to make a contribution, please see Treasurer’s Info page for donation form.

McBride Fund

The Gertrude McBride Student Fund was established in 1921 and is named for a highly respected educator and PTA leader. The fund assists worthy high school and middle school students in need.  The McBride fund is administered by an application process. Only schools whose PTA units are in good standing on December 1 shall recieve funds. In the past, these funds have been used to purchase caps/gowns, art supplies, eyeglasses, dress shoes to wear to a funeral, clothing, sports participation fees, athletic shoes, etc.

CARE Fund

The Charlie Nickel CARE (Charlie’s Angels Reward for Excellence) Fund rewards outstanding elementary students behavior, attendance, and/or academic achievement, at the principal’s discretion. The CARE Fund is administered by an application process. Only schools whose PTA units are in good standing on December 1 shall receive funds.

Springfield Council of PTAs Scholarships

In June of 2022, Springfield Council of PTAs transferred their restricted scholarship funds to the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools (FSPS). FSPS will award these scholarships to graduating high school seniors.  Applications are sent to each school counselor with the list of qualifications and deadlines for applicants.  The amount of each award is determined annually by FSPS.  If you would like to make a donation to the Scholarships now managed by FSPS, please contact FSPS.

  1. The PTA Grace Carr Scholarship is awarded to a person who is enrolled or plans to enroll in an accredited full course of study at OTC; this scholarship is rotated annually among the Springfield R-12 high schools; the recipient is determined by the high school’s staff scholarship committee.
  2. The PTA Joan Keiser Scholarship is awarded to a person who plans to enroll in an accredited full course of study in a Missouri liberal arts college or university; this scholarship rotates annually among the Springfield R-12 high schools.  Recipient must be a graduating senior, show need for financial assistance and shall be determined by the high school’s staff scholarship committee.
  3. The PTA Helen Smith Scholarship is awarded to a person who plans to enroll in an accredited full course of study in teacher education at a Missouri liberal arts college or university; this scholarship is rotated annually among the Springfield R-12 high schools.  Recipient must be a graduating senior, show need for financial assistance and be determined by the high school’s staff scholarship committee.
  4. The Springfield PTA Scholarship – 2 year Awarded to a student who plans to enroll in an accredited full course of study at a Missouri technical college.  This scholarship is rotated annually among the Springfield R-12 high schools.  The Scholarship Committee at each high school determines the recipient.
  5. The Springfield PTA Scholarship – 4 year Awarded to a student who plans to enroll in an accredited full course of study at a Missouri 4-year college or university.  This scholarship is rotated annually among the Springfield R-12 high schools.  The Scholarship Committee at each high school determines the recipient.