Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 class of National STEM Scholars, a program designed specifically for middle school teachers inspiring the next generation of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) pioneers nationwide. Please forward! The deadline is February 1st.

 

The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) partners with the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Science and Mathematics at Western Kentucky University (WKU) to fund 10 scholarships each year for middle school science teachers working to transfer a passion for science to students in this age group. Research shows that students who get excited about STEM subjects in middle school are the ones who will take those courses in high school and major in them at the college level. 

 

National STEM Scholars receive advanced education in the development of STEM projects for classroom implementation, spend a full day with a national thought leader in STEM education (the 2018 speaker was Dr. Eric Mazur of Harvard University,  the 2019 speaker was Dr. John Medina – author of Brain Rules) and build a national network of colleagues for information sharing.

               

Scholars are selected based solely on the merit of questions answered in the application. The selection committee is not provided with names or locations of teacher applicants.

 

Over 40 Scholars have graduated from the National STEM Scholar Program. Each scholarship recipient receives the following:

• Advanced education and leadership training on the campus of WKU from May 31 - June 6, 2020. All expenses – travel, lodging, meals – are included
• A notebook/tablet (Chromebook or similar) to facilitate ongoing collaboration
• A credit of up to $1,500 for technology and supplies to implement a classroom Challenge Project
• Sponsored attendance at the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Conference in March/April, 2021. All expenses – registration, travel, lodging, meals – are included
• Year-long mentorship and support provided by Gatton Academy faculty

Applications are open now – click here to apply. The deadline is February 1, 2020.

 

Click here to learn more about the National Stem Cell Foundation. Please contact me if you have questions or would like more information.