Undergraduate students and professionals working in science, technology, engineering or mathematics who want to teach in high-need school districts can apply to receive a scholarship of up to $15,000 at UCCS.
UCCS recently received a $1.2 million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation to develop and implement a scholarship program named in honor of Robert Noyce, a co-founder of Intel Corporation. The UCCS program is part of a nationally recognized Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.
“Robert Noyce understood the strong connection between high-quality science, technology, engineering and math teachers and technical innovation,” Patrick McGuire, associate professor, College of Education, and co-director of the UCCSTeach program, said. “We are honored to continue his vision in southern Colorado.”
The scholarship is available to bachelor’s degree students pursuing a degree in conjunction with the UCCSTeach Program and for professionals who already have a bachelor’s degree and who are interested in securing teaching credentials. UCCSTeach is a 32-credit hour course sequence that leads to secondary mathematics or science teacher licensure through the state of Colorado. The program is modeled on the University of Texas UTeach program. Program hallmarks include early and diverse field experiences, a focus on inquiry- and project-based instruction, and strong mentoring support from experienced master teachers at the university and K-12 classroom levels.
In addition to completing the 32-credit hour UCCSTeach course sequence, UCCS Noyce scholars will participate in yearlong professional learning communities led by experienced teachers from Harrison School District 2, Colorado Springs District 11 and Falcon School District 49 and UCCS researchers.
The UCCS team will include McGuire, Robert Block, associate dean, College of Business; Lisa Hines, associate professor, Biology Department; and Tom Christensen, professor, Physics Department and provost-elect. Christensen previously served as co-director of the UCCSTeach program.
“The demand for highly skilled teachers in the STEM disciplines has never been more acute,” Christensen said. “These funds will help Colorado, and the nation, to compete in these critical areas”.
To be eligible for the Noyce scholarship, students must:
- Enroll as a junior or senior at UCCS and major in an approved undergraduate STEM content degree or possess an approved baccalaureate STEM degree
- Seek secondary math and/or science teching certification through the UCCSTeach Program
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the program
- Commit to teaching upon graduation for two years of every one year of scholarship funding in a high-need school district or agency
For more information on this scholarship, visit the website or call Vickie Newkirk, UCCSTeach program coordinator at 719-255-3446. The deadline to apply is July 9, for classes starting Aug. 21 for the Fall 2017 semester.
By Eric Nissen
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