Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina is launching its Teaching Scholars Program next fall, The Hickory Daily Record reported.

The institution is launching its own teaching program, three years after state legislatures discontinued a similar program, the Teaching Fellows Program, which gave college students scholarships in exchange for agreeing to teach in the state's school systems.

The Teaching Fellows Program was abandoned because it faced strong opposition from public schools and institutions of higher education statewide. The last participants of the Teaching Fellows Program are set to graduate in 2015.

"This innovative cohort model will prepare Teaching Scholars to excel as teacher leaders in today's public school classrooms," Hank Weddington, the university's dean of the College of Education & Human Services, told The Hickory Daily Record. "Scholars will have the opportunity to develop skills through ongoing professional development in collaboration with public school partners, specially designed practicum placements throughout the program, and enriching travel experiences that emphasize service and teaching in diverse communities."

Students who participate in Lenoir-Rhyne University's Teaching Scholars program will be placed in Hickory-area school districts where they will serve as tutors, small group leaders and instructional assistants. Throughout the program, students will participate in enrichment seminars, and participate in service projects in urban, rural, and inner-city communities.

The program will provide scholarships of $5,500 per year for four years to incoming freshmen. The funds will be offered in addition to the aid package the students may already be qualified for, the university said on their Website.

In order to remain in the program, students must show exceptional academic, professional and service-related performance.