Dordt University received a generous $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation [DUE 1660632] to support students interested in teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) education through the Robert Noyce Scholarship Program. The Noyce Scholarship program responds to the need for highly-qualified K-12 STEM teachers in high-need schools.
Noyce Scholars receive $15,000 scholarships each year to support their progress toward teaching licensure in a STEM field. Noyce scholars will receive both the benefits of Dordt's outstanding STEM and education programs, and mentoring from faculty, training in growth mindsets, and practicum experiences in high-need schools.
Eligibility
- A Junior or Senior (at least 54 credits completed) majoring in both science and education at Dordt University.
- A U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien.
- Agreement to teach for two years in a high-need school for each year of scholarship support received. (Students have 8 years after completion of their STEM education degree to complete their teaching service in a high-need school.)
Possible STEM Education Majors
- Agriculture
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
Joint major options
- Mathematics/Engineering
- Mathematics/Physics
- Pick two from Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics
Teaching Obligation
Dordt has formal partnerships with West Sioux Schools & Le Mars Community Schools; however, students may teach in any high-need school in the U.S. to meet the post-graduation service requirement. A high-need school is defined as an elementary or secondary school which is characterized by at least one of the following:
- a high percentage of individuals from families with incomes below the poverty line;
- a high percentage of secondary school teachers not teaching in the content area in which they were trained to teach; or
- a high teacher turnover rate.
If a Noyce Scholar is unable to complete the licensure or teaching obligation, the scholarship reverts to a loan.