July 22, 2009 - California State University, Bakersfield has been awarded an $899,684 Noyce grant by the National Science Foundation to provide scholarships for future teachers.

The nationally recognized Robert Noyce Scholarship program will provide scholarships to 40 CSUB juniors and seniors who are pursuing science or mathematics degrees, and who simultaneously enroll in a teacher certification program. The grant will enable scholarship support for up to two academic years.

"The main goal of the program is to increase the number of teachers with strong science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) content knowledge in our school districts," said Andreas Gebauer, program director. "The United States faces a severe shortage of students and teachers in the STEM fields, which threatens the world-leading role of the U.S. in science. We want to help change that by supporting students who are committed to teaching science or mathematics."

The project is a cooperative effort between CSUB, Bakersfield College, Antelope Valley College, and the Kern High School District. Educators at each institution are helping students achieve admission to CSUB and excel in science and mathematics through mentoring, targeted advising and instructional support.

The Robert Noyce Scholarship program is accepting applications now through October 30. Students who are majoring, or have majored, in a STEM field and demonstrate an aptitude in science coursework are encouraged to apply. Students must have a grade point average of at least 3.00, and are required to teach two-years at a "high-need" school district for each year of scholarship support that is accepted.