The following article was written by Chance Johnson
There is a great need in the U.S. to fill positions in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) areas. According to the National Math + Science Initiative, in 2013, only 44 percent of U.S. high school graduates were ready for college-level math. And only 36 percent were ready for college-level science. Equally important is where to find the best future educators to teach STEM subjects. In order to equip educators with the tools to effectively teach in the STEM disciplines, Robert Noyce Scholarships are available to Colorado State University students who are majoring in a STEM field, and would like to pursue a teaching career.
“I did not go into this career for the money—no one does,” says science teacher Jessica Mueller who currently teaches at Greeley Central High School. “So to be able to be forgiven a large amount after teaching in a high-needs school is a huge weight off of my mind.”
Mueller credits the Noyce program as the catalyst that turned her passion for teaching into a career. Relief through scholarships like Noyce allows students full of potential and passion to concentrate on their careers, instead of the burdens of debt from their education.
About the Noyce Scholarship
The Noyce Scholarship provides $10,000 per year for up to two years for full-time undergraduates who have earned at least 60 credits upon applying, and who are enrolled or plan to enroll in a teacher licensure program. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Noyce Scholarship not only aims to attract talented STEM majors who maintain a grade point average of 3.0, but also to recruit teachers for high needs school districts. “Every student deserves a good teacher who cares and really understands content and how to teach well,” says math major Denae Worcester.
Applicants are required to commit to teaching in a high-needs school district for two years for each year of the scholarship. Scholarship applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2015. Award notifications will be announced by mid-April. Interested applicants can visit the online application here.
