Overview
Savannah State University (SSU), in partnership with Savannah Technical College (STC), is offering a Robert Noyce Scholarship program to prepare 28 undergraduate mathematics and engineering majors and 8 STEM professionals to become certified middle school or high school teachers of mathematics and/or science (grades 6 – 12). Working with regional high schools, STC, and STEM employers, we will recruit high-quality students and professionals interested in STEM-focused teaching careers. In addition, we will provide a combination of scholarships/stipends, summer teaching internships, structured field observation experiences, and a rigorous teacher-preparation curriculum to prepare them to be successful, long-term members of the STEM teaching faculty in the Savannah Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) and beyond. In partnership with SCCPSS, we will provide post-graduation mentoring and follow-up to ensure a successful transition to teaching and improve retention. Specific elements of the program include the following:
- Launching a proactive recruitment plan for talented math and engineering majors to pursue teaching careers in 6 – 12 secondary schools;
- Implementing a comprehensive STEM teacher training program;
- Providing a Summer Educational Internship Program (SEIP) to rising sophomores;
- Providing Field Observation Experiences for sophomores;
- Providing $10,000 scholarships to talented math and engineering juniors and seniors to pursue teaching career by acquiring education training through SSU teacher education math, civil, and electronics engineering technology programs;
- Providing $10,000 stipends for STEM professionals or recent STEM graduates (must have bachelor's degree in biology, mathematics or engineering) to become teachers.
- Enhancing the local district’s teacher mentoring and professional development program to improve teacher performance and retention.