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Apply now for the National STEM Scholars class of 2018

08th November 2017

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 class of the National STEM Scholar Program, a program designed specifically for middle school teachers inspiring the next generation of STEM pioneers nationwide. Please forward!

The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) partners with the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Science and Mathematics at Western Kentucky University 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 (science, technology, engineering and math) 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, build a national network of colleagues for information sharing and spend a full day with a national thought leader in STEM education (the 2017 speaker was Dr. Eric Mazur of Harvard University). STEM Scholar classrooms also have an opportunity to speak with astronauts on the International Space Station during the school year and work directly with providers of space technology education nationwide.

Selection is a “blinded” process, based solely on the merits of the application.

In 2018, we will graduate our third class of National STEM Scholars. Each scholarship recipient receives the following:

  • Advanced education and leadership training on the campus of WKU the first week of June (6/3-6/9). All expenses – travel, lodging, meals – are paid.
  • A notebook/tablet (Chromebook or similar) to facilitate ongoing collaboration.
  • A credit of up to $2,500 for technology and supplies to implement a classroom Challenge Project.
  • Sponsored attendance at the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Conference the following April (2019: St. Louis). All expenses – travel, lodging, meals – are paid.
  • Year-long mentorship and support provided by Gatton Academy faculty.

The application to apply to become a STEM Scholar is now open. Applications are due February 1, 2018.

Apply now!