University News

WIU Works to Close Teacher Shortage Through NOYCE STEM Grant

July 25, 2023

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Western Illinois University, in partnership with Blackhawk Community College and local school districts, received a $1.4 million National Science Foundation grant to address teacher shortages in high-needs school districts.

The grant will award 24 NOYCE STEM Teacher Scholarships over the next five years, and three scholars have already been selected for the Fall 2023 semester. The scholarships cover costs associated with tuition, fees and housing. Scholars who apply could receive over $30,000 in scholarships.

NOYCE scholars will receive up to two and a half years of scholarship to complete an undergraduate degree in secondary education teacher licensure in science or mathematics. The program supports majors in mathematics, biology, chemistry or physics. Students with these substantial scholarships can obtain a bachelor's degree in STEM and a teaching license for less than $15,000. Current WIU students, community college students and area high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to inquire about the program.

"The goal of this grant is to produce more highly-qualified STEM teachers for our area high schools and we believe the program should be of great benefit to students in STEM, our area school districts, Blackhawk Community College and Western Illinois University," said WIU Mathematics Professor Bob Mann. "We are honored to provide these opportunities for our students, our communities and our future. "

For more information on the program, contact Mann at rr-mann@wiu.edu or WIU Mathematics Professor Susan Brooks at sc-brooks@wiu.edu.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. 2243323.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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