Twenty-six mathematics, biology and chemistry majors are preparing to teach in South Carolina high needs schools. Noyce scholars are being selected from a combination of juniors and seniors completing a four year certification program, fifth year students who have completed the requirements a bachelors degree in a STEM major and are seeking teaching certification, and STEM graduates looking for a career change. Undergraduates receive annual scholarships of $10,000 for a maximum of two years. The fifth year students and career changers are eligible for one year scholarships of $25,000. Thirty-four freshmen and sophomore STEM majors with an interest in teaching as a career are participating in six week paid summer internships to investigate teaching via field experiences and enroll in two education courses.
Master Teachers mentor the summer interns and Noyce scholars throughout the scholarship period and the following service obligation. The newly certified teachers are teaching in high needs schools in Laurens 56 School District, Newberry County School District and Lexington 1 School District.