The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) provides scholarship funding, research opportunities, and internship programs for future teachers with help from a National Science Foundation grant.
| Noyce Scholarship Overview | ||
| Eligibility Requirements | Application Information | Information for References |
| FAQs & Resources | Supervising Faculty | Acknowledgments |
Noyce Scholarship Overview
The National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program seeks to encourage talented science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors and professionals to become K-12 mathematics and science (including engineering and computer science) teachers. The program invites creative and innovative proposals that address the critical need for recruiting and preparing highly effective elementary and secondary science and mathematics teachers in high-need local educational agencies. This opportunity is extended to undergraduate students, graduate students, and K-12 educators.
Noyce Scholars
The program offers up to $17,500 per year to encourage talented undergraduate science students to major in one of the science fields, 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. Each Scholar will work with an assigned mentor to prepare a personal professional development plan. In the plan, a commitment to leadership in science education initiatives will be outlined, including specific examples.
Possible activities may be:
(1) leading student professional development efforts such as NE STEM 4U and other outreach efforts on campus, and
(2) completing a research project in science or science education, including a poster presentation at the Student Research and Creativity Fair or a regional conference, and
(3) teaching opportunities in science (formally & informally). Students interested in becoming a Scholar are welcome to submit an application at any time, but applications submitted mid-cycle may not be immediately reviewed.
| Apply to be a Noyce Scholar |
Noyce Interns
Each summer, Noyce Interns are selected to participate in educational and teaching opportunities. Activities include:
(1) Serving as a learning assistant for courses,
(2) writing and editing curriculum for NE STEM 4U and/or Aim for the Stars, and assisting with Girls, Inc. Eureka! STEM summer camps, and
(3) providing summer camp instruction for partners of the Nebraska Department of Education and other statewide entities.
Similarly, professional development opportunities exist during each summer including meetings with current teachers from high needs schools, participation in journal clubs discussing science and science education articles, interacting with other Interns and Research Interns, and working directly with faculty mentor(s). Noyce Interns are awarded up to $4,000 for their full-time summer work. Internship applications will be accepted at any time, but applications submitted mid-cycle may not be immediately reviewed.
| Apply to be a Noyce Scholar |
Eligibility Requirements
Noyce Scholars
- Be a United States citizen, national, or permanent resident alien at the time of application.
- Major in science at the baccalaureate level and be on track to complete the requirements of undergraduate secondary teaching certification.
- Demonstrate a commitment to pursue a teaching career in a high-need school.
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or above on all collegiate courses or, for first-year undergraduate applicants for Noyce internships, a 2.75 or above cumulative high school GPA. (This requirement aligns with admission requirements for UNO’s teacher education program.)
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Able to pass a background check to be able to work with youth.
Noyce Interns
- Be a United States citizen, national, or permanent resident alien at the time of application.
- Cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or better (or if in high school, 2.5 high school GPA or better).
- Have an interest in science and/or teaching.
- Able to pass a background check to be able to work with youth.
Application Information
Noyce Scholars
- Complete the online form and written personal statement that reflects your motivation to teach.
- Submit transcripts.
- Submit at least two (2) letters of recommendation from past instructors/teachers (see below).
- If applicable, demonstrate financial need (usually done with your completed FAFSA information).
- Send the completed application form and direct your transcripts and letters of recommendation to:
Noyce Interns
- Complete the online form.
- Submit transcripts.
- Send the completed application form and direct your transcripts to:
jaconrad@unomaha.edu
Information for References (Noyce Scholars Only)
Thank you for writing a letter of reference for a student applying to the Noyce Scholars Program. We are particularly interested in reading your opinion about the student's following characteristics:
- relationship with you (e.g., first semester chemistry instructor, science fair project mentor).
- attributes that suggest good potential as a science teacher.
- experiences, either inside or outside your class, that suggest significant preparation for a science teaching career.
- personality qualities compatible with successful teaching at the middle school or high school level.
Please use your institutional letterhead stationery and be sure to indicate your name, title, institution, and contact information at the close of your letter and send it via email to:
Dr. John Conrad
jaconrad@unomaha.edu
FAQs
Am I limited to teaching in Nebraska 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 "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).
Must I demonstrate financial need to apply?
Anyone can apply, but preference is given to those who demonstrate financial need.
Resources
Supervising Faculty
Acknowledgments
The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, authorized under the National Science Foundation responds to the critical need for K-12 teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by encouraging talented STEM students and professionals to pursue teaching careers in elementary and secondary schools.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DUE-1659058.