Contact: Harriet Laird
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Five undergraduates and one master's student are recipients of the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarships in the College of Education at Mississippi State University.
The scholarship program encourages talented science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors to become K-12 teachers in the math and science disciplines. Program completion includes a two-year teaching commitment in a high-need Mississippi school district for each year of support received, according to Linda Coats, associate professor in MSU's department of leadership and foundations and scholarship administrator.
"Service must be completed within eight years after graduation from the degree program in which the scholarship was awarded," Coats said. She explained that availability is to undergraduate juniors and seniors pursuing double majors, with one in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, engineering and the other in mathematics education or science education in a STEM field. Those who already hold a bachelor's degree in a STEM field are eligible for a professional stipend.
Qualifying undergraduates receive up to $10,000 each year for a maximum of three years, while qualifying STEM professionals with a degree receive $15,000 for one year toward an advanced degree.
This year's recipients include:
CEDAR BLUFF--Tishana Smith, a junior majoring in secondary education/mathematics;
MACON--Jennie Mason, a junior majoring in secondary education/mathematics;
McADAMS--Michael Newsome, a STEM professional pursuing a master of teaching arts degree;
PELHAM, Ala.--Jennifer McCoy, a junior majoring in secondary education/mathematics;
STARKVILLE--Simeon Weatherby, a senior majoring in mathematics with teaching certification;
WEST POINT--Kayla Allen, a junior majoring in secondary education/mathematics.
For undergraduates to be considered, they must have a 3.0 grade-point average or higher, be a U.S. citizen interested in pursuing a double major, provide documentation of at least 40 hours working with children, and complete the application process.
To be considered for stipends, professionals must hold at least a bachelor's degree in a STEM field from a regionally/nationally accredited institution, be a U.S. citizen, have a minimum 2.75 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, provide current GRE scores, meet minimum Praxis I and Praxis II examination requirements, provide documentation of at least 40 hours working with children, and complete the application process.
For more on this scholarship program, visit www.noyce.msstate.edu.
For more information, contact Dr. Coats at 662-325-2416 or lcoats@colled.msstate.edu.