Noyce STEM Teacher Scholarship Program
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
The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is more than a scholarship. The program encourages talented STEM majors and professionals to become K-12 mathematics and science teachers through participation in a community of scholars and mentors. 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 Noyce Scholars (STEM majors on scholarships 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 stipend 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 who have signed commitments and will receive maximum support. The program offers up to $16,000 per year (based on cost of attendance) to encourage talented undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students to complete their degrees and then enter the Master of Arts in Teaching program to earn a teaching credential and commit to teaching 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, commitment to leadership in STEM initiatives will be outlined, including specific examples. Possible activities may include: 1) leading student professional development efforts, 2) completing a project related to STEM education, such as a poster presentation and/or attending a regional conference, and 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.
4) Participate in induction/mentoring support for two years.
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.
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 degrees. Financial support for Undergraduate Scholars is $16,000 per scholar, per year. Financial support for 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 reaching their junior year.
-
Hands-On Teaching Experience — Gain practical experience in high-need school district classrooms 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:
- Be a United States citizen, national, or permanent resident alien at the time of application.
- 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.
- Demonstrate a commitment to pursue a teaching career in a high-need school.
- 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.
- Be able to pass a background check.
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:
- Be a United States citizen, national, or permanent resident alien at the time of application.
- Have a cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or higher (or, if in high school, a 2.5 GPA or higher).
- Be a freshman or sophomore at ISU.
- Be seeking a chemistry, physics, biology, or mathematics degree.
- Have an interest in becoming a STEM teacher.
- 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 the 2024-2025 school year is December 1, 2024.
Application Deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is March 15, 2025.
To submit an application, click here. The application will consist of the following parts:
- General Information
- Commitment to STEM and STEM Teaching Questions
- Personal Statement (Scholars only)
- Names and contact information for two references (Scholars Only)
- A current transcript (Scholars and Interns)
A. General Information
Answer the following questions:
- Personal Background: Please provide your full name, contact information, and educational background.
- Academic History: List all degrees you have earned or are pursuing, including your major and GPA.
B. Commitment to STEM and STEM Teaching Questions
- STEM Experience: Describe how you have contributed to your community in the context of STEM through any research projects, internships, or work experiences.
- Teaching Experience: Describe any teaching or tutoring experience you may have, including the context, subject matter, and what you learned from the experience.
C. Personal Statement addressing the following (max 300 words):
- 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.
- What is your vision for creating an inclusive and engaging STEM learning environment for all students?
- Discuss any specific strategies or ideas.
- 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.
D. Names and Contact Information of two references, including title, their relationship to you, and email contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I limited to teaching in Idaho or can I teach anywhere?
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 "high-need local educational agency (or high-need LEA)", as defined in section 201 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1021), means a U.S. local educational agency (e.g., school district) that has at least one school that:
- Meets at least one of the following criteria:
- not less than 20% of the children served by the agency are from low-income families;
- serves at least 10,000 children from low-income families;
- is eligible for funding under the Small, Rural School Achievement Program under 20 U.S.C. 7345(b); or
- is eligible for funding under the Rural and Low-Income School Program under 20 U.S.C. 7351(b);
- Meets at least one of the following criteria:
- has a high percentage of teachers not teaching in the academic subject areas or grade levels in which the teachers were trained to teach; or
- has a high teacher turnover rate or a high percentage of teachers with emergency, provisional, or temporary certification or licensure
Dr. Wendy Ruchti, PhD
Associate Professor
Office: Room 107, College of Education, Idaho State University
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, PhD
Professor
Office: College of Education 108 D