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Noyce STEM Teacher Scholarship Program

Idaho State University students learn mathematics.

The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program at Idaho State University (ISU) is an exciting opportunity for students passionate about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) who aspire to become impactful teachers in underserved communities. This prestigious grant, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), provides financial support to students pursuing a career in STEM education, helping them gain the skills and experience needed to inspire the next generation of learners.

Eligibility Criteria    Application  FAQ's  Contact Us


What is the ISU Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program?

The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is designed to encourage talented STEM majors and professionals to become K-12 mathematics and science teachers. In return for financial support, recipients commit to teaching in high-need school districts, where they can make a real difference by bringing high-quality STEM education to students who need it most. 


Noyce Interns are students interested in teaching, but have not committed to teaching or the Noyce program. Interns  will participate in several educational related experiences each year. Each intern is assigned a faculty mentor and they also work with the Noyce Scholars (STEM majors on scholarship to become teachers) on a variety of activities. Interns commit to working 2 hours a week during the academic year. They are awarded a $2,000 scholarship per academic year while they participate as NOYCE interns.  Interns will stay an intern until they reach their junior year, at which time they can apply to become an Undergraduate Scholar. 

Noyce Scholars are those that have signed commitments and will receive maximum support.  The program offers up to $16,000 per year (based on cost of tuition and financial need) to encourage talented undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students complete their degree and then enter the Master of Arts in Teaching program to earn a teaching credential and commit to teach in high-need school districts. Juniors and Seniors who are selected as Noyce Scholars will be paired with faculty mentors. Scholars commit to working 6 hours a week during the academic year.

Each Scholar will work with an assigned mentor to prepare a personal professional development plan. In the plan, a commitment to leadership in STEM initiatives will be outlined, including specific examples. Possible activities may be: 1) leading student professional development efforts, 2) completing a senior project related to STEM education such as a poster presentation and/or attending a regional conference, 3) serving the community through STEM outreach, and other opportunities as presented throughout the program years. 

Noyce Scholars sign a commitment to teach in a high-need school district for a minimum of  two years per year of scholarship.  Noyce Scholars agree to: 1) maintain contact with project faculty mentors until the commitment is fulfilled 2) provide certification of employment and contact information, 3) undergo assessments regarding teaching effectiveness throughout the Noyce teaching commitment, and 4) participate in induction/mentoring support for two years. 

Why Become a STEM Teacher?

STEM teachers are in high demand across the country, especially in underserved areas. By becoming a STEM teacher, you will:

  • Make a Lasting Impact: You’ll have the chance to inspire and educate students who may not otherwise have access to high-quality STEM education.

  • Promote Equity in Education: High-need schools often face significant challenges in attracting qualified teachers. Your skills and passion can help close the education gap.

  • Develop Lifelong Skills: Teaching is a rewarding profession that develops leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any career.

Start Your Journey as a STEM Teacher Today!

The Noyce Grant at Idaho State University is your opportunity to make a difference in the world of STEM education. Apply today and take the first step toward a rewarding teaching career!

Benefits of the ISU Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program:

  • Generous Financial Support: Noyce Scholars receive scholarships and stipends that can significantly reduce the cost of their education. These funds are designed to help ease the financial burden while students complete their STEM and teaching degree. Financial support for Undergraduate Scholars is $16,000 per scholar per year and Graduate Scholars is $24,000 per year plus 9,450 for two summer semesters. Noyce Interns will be provided a stipend of $2,000 per intern year to support their exploration and commitment to STEM teaching.  Noyce Interns are encouraged to apply to become Noyce Scholars after they reach their junior year.

  • Hands-On Teaching Experience: Gain practical classroom experience in high-need school districts, working alongside experienced educators and mentors who will guide your journey.

  • Professional Development Opportunities: Participate in specialized workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on STEM education, teaching strategies, and leadership skills.

  • Mentorship and Support: Enjoy the support of ISU faculty and a network of experienced teachers dedicated to helping you succeed in your teaching career.

  • Job Placement Assistance: The Noyce program is committed to helping you find a teaching position in a high-need school after you graduate, ensuring your skills are put to work where they are most needed.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Noyce Scholarship at ISU, you must meet the following requirements:

Noyce Scholars:

  1. Be a United States citizen, national, or permanent resident alien at the time of application.
  2. Be a junior or senior level student in a STEM field (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics) at the baccalaureate level or be on track to complete the requirements of a baccalaureate in a STEM field in the next two years.
  3. Demonstrate a commitment to pursue a teaching career in a high-need school. Scholars must 
  4. Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above, which aligns with ISU Graduate School requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program.
  5. Able to pass a background check.

Please note that Noyce Scholars must sign a commitment to teach in a high-need school district for a minimum of  two years per year of scholarship. Noyce Scholars agree to: 1) maintain contact with project faculty mentors until the commitment is fulfilled 2) provide certification of employment and contact information, 3) undergo assessments regarding teaching effectiveness throughout the Noyce teaching commitment, and 4) participate in induction/mentoring support for two years. 

Although the MAT program is offered fully online, except for field experiences and student teaching, Noyce Scholars must still attend the monthly meetings with other Noyce Scholars at the ISU Pocatello campus.

Noyce Scholars cannot be students already employed as a teacher of record seeking certification.  

Noyce Scholars are eligible for a non-resident tuition waiver and will pay in-state resident fees.  

Noyce Interns:

  1. Be a United States citizen, national, or permanent resident alien at the time of application,
  2. Have a cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or better (or if in high school, 2.5 high school GPA or better),
  3. Be a freshman or sophomore at ISU,
  4. Be seeking a chemistry, physics, biology or mathematics degree.
  5. Have an interest in becoming a STEM teacher, and
  6. Be able to pass an Idaho background check to work with students in public schools.

Note that Noyce Interns will be eligible to apply to become Noyce Scholars after they reach their junior year.

How to Apply for the Noyce Grant:

Application Deadline for 2024-2025 School year is December 1, 2024.  

Application Deadline for the 2025-26 academic year is January 15, 2025.  

To submit an application, click here.  You will need the following to apply: 

  1. General Information and Commitment to STEM and Teaching
  2. Upload a Personal Statement (Scholars only)
  3. Upload recommendation from a faculty member (Scholars Only)  
  4. Upload Current transcript (Scholars and Interns)

A. General Information and Commitment to STEM and Teaching

Answer the following questions: 

  1. Personal Background:  Please provide your full name, contact information, and educational background.
  2. Academic History:  List all degrees you have earned or are pursuing, including your major and GPA. 
  3. STEM Experience:  Describe any research projects, internships, or work experiences related to STEM fields.
  4. Teaching Experience:  Have you had any experience teaching or tutoring? If yes, please describe the context, the subject matter, and what you learned from the experience.
  5. How have you contributed to your community, especially in the context of education or STEM?  Provide examples of leadership roles or volunteer activities that demonstrate your commitment to community service.
  6. What role do you believe teachers play in shaping the future of STEM in underrepresented communities?  How would you leverage your role as a Noyce Scholar to make a positive impact?

B. Personal Statement should include the following (max 300 words).  

  1. Why do you want to become a STEM teacher?
    • What motivates you to pursue a career in teaching, particularly in mathematics or science? Please provide specific examples of experiences or influences that have shaped this decision.
  2. What challenges do you think STEM educators face, and how would you address them in your classroom?
    • Consider the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education, as well as any educational or societal barriers.
  3. How do you plan to inspire students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM?
    • Discuss any specific strategies or ideas you have for creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
  4. Describe a time when you faced a challenge in your academic or professional life. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience?
    • Explain how this experience might influence your approach to teaching.

C. Letter of Recommendation

Please provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher or faculty member.  We are particularly interested in their opinion about the following characteristics: 

  • relationship with you (e.g., first semester calculus instructor, science fair project mentor).
  • attributes that suggest good potential as a STEM teacher.
  • experiences, either inside or outside  class, that suggest significant preparation for a STEM teaching career.
  • personality qualities compatible with successful teaching at the middle school or high school level.

Note:  Please request your writer indicate their  name, title, institution, and contact information at the close of your letter so we can contact them if needed for further information.  

 Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Am I limited to teaching in Idaho or can I teach anywhere?
A: You can teach anywhere in the USA, as long as it is considered a “high-need school.”

  • What is a “high-need school”?
    The term "a high-need local educational agency" as defined in section 201 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1021) means a local educational agency (school district) that serves an elementary or secondary school located in an area that is characterized by at least one of the following:
    • a high percentage (≥50%) of individuals from families with incomes below the poverty line;
    • a high percentage (≥35%) of secondary school teachers not teaching in the content area in which they were trained to teach; or
    • a high teacher turnover rate (≥15%/yr).
Wendy Ruchti

Dr. Wendy Ruchti, PhD

Associate Professor

Office: Room 107, College of Education, Idaho State University

(208) 282-3128

wendyruchti@isu.edu

For more information about the Noyce Grant, please contact Dr. Wendy Ruchti at the ISU College of Education, Department of Teaching and Educational Studies. We are here to answer any questions and help you through the application process.

Cory Bennett

Cory Bennett, PhD

Department Chair | Professor

Office: College of Education 108 D

(208) 282-6058

corybennett@isu.edu

Vita