Up to ten slots for Noyce Scholarships available; application deadline July 25
In order to meet the critical need for highly-trained K-12 teachers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines (STEM), The Citadel Graduate College (CGC) is accepting applications for full, master’s level scholarships. Applications will be accepted through July 25, 2016, for the college’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarships which are intended to support students and professionals who want to become STEM teachers.
“Recent graduates or current college seniors with STEM majors from any college can apply. Additionally working professionals who have STEM undergraduate degrees and want to change their careers to become teachers may apply,” said Joel Gramling, Ph.D., grant supervisor, biology professor and curator of The Citadel Herbarium. “Also, STEM majors from the South Carolina Corps of Cadets who are sophomores through seniors can apply.”
All applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Undergraduates who are cadets, or who wish to transition to The Citadel to complete their undergraduate degrees in science or math with a teaching specialization, and then attend The Citadel Graduate College, may also apply. The students who are selected for the scholarships will receive full tuition (up to 36 credit hours) for a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in math or biology. Recipients must sign a contract pledging to teach for one year per semester of support and will be provided with professional development opportunities including conferences and networking meetings, as well as the support of a mentor teacher. And, all of the Noyce Scholars will complete a student teaching internship at a local high school.
“One of the positive outcomes of being a Noyce Scholar is the value placed on community outreach. During our meetings, the Noyce Scholars discuss ways to bring our STEM expertise to schools in the greater Charleston area. We volunteer at STEM events and organize effective STEM outreach,” said Stephanie Eldridge, a Citadel Noyce Scholar who graduated in May. “I was also provided with the opportunity to attend the 2016 National Teaching Association Conference which also opened my eyes to opportunities that I might be able to bring to my future students.” Eldridge begins teaching biology and earth science at Ashley Ridge High School in Dorchester County this fall.
The Citadel was awarded a Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Grant in 2013. Since then The Citadel, The Citadel Graduate College, and The Zucker Family School of Education have awarded 20 teacher scholarships at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of those students, 15 have completed the program and are certified to teach science or math in South Carolina; five students are currently enrolled in the program.
The college’s first MAT Noyce Scholar, Whitney Cubbage Coker graduated in 2014, and was selected the Wando High School Rookie Teacher of the Year.
