Aspiring teachers participating in a special program at Central College received a boost after school now for the first time.

The Bruce and Susan Berical Anderson Education Grant gives a head start to every graduate of Central Teacher Academy (CTA). The Andersons have supported the CTA program since 2009. The new grant provides $300 to each CTA graduate who completes the program in good standing — a gift to support their transitions into successful teaching careers.

“My late wife Susan and I wanted to pay back — or forward — all the wonderful years of teaching and educational opportunities we both had from our years at Central and teaching in Des Moines,” Anderson says. “Before she passed away, we made the decision to support the future teachers in Central’s education program.”

This spring, Bruce Anderson surprised 15 graduates of the program with the first awards of the annual grant. Central Teacher Academy pairs exceptional students with mentor teachers in local schools, completing three years’ classroom experience before graduation.

“I love the opportunity to visit Central’s CTA students and challenge them to have fun, work hard and develop a fire in their belly for making a difference in the lives of every student,” says Anderson. “Rewarding the education graduates gives me great pleasure that we are fulfilling Susan’s wish for a future of life-long learners.”