The College of Natural Science and Mathematics and the College of Education at the University of West Alabama have partnered with Bevill State Community College and Coastal Alabama Community College on Project INSPIRE (Implementing Novel STEM Practices in Rural Education). INSPIRE is a Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program funded by the National Science Foundation. This program, offered through the National Science Foundation, is a response to the critical need for K-12 teachers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The goal of the Noyce Scholarship Program is to encourage talented STEM students and professionals to pursue teaching careers.
Project INSPIRE will offer two-year scholarships to select rising juniors in STEM programs who wish to pursue teacher certification. In addition to scholarship support, Noyce Scholars will be paired with outstanding master teachers in the region and take part in a variety of enrichment activities to enhance their preparation. The goal of INSPIRE is to help transform STEM education in the region by developing a pipeline of skilled and motivated instructors.
In addition to scholarship support for undergraduates, INSPIRE will provide a small number of stipends annually to support STEM professionals or recent STEM graduates who wish to return to UWA as INSPIRE Fellows and complete the Alternative Class A Certification Program in a STEM field. Fellows will join the undergraduate Scholars in the enrichment activities provided by INSPIRE.
INSPIRE undergraduate scholarships will provide up to $14,000.00 of annual support for Noyce Scholars, while INSPIRE Fellows will receive $16,700.00 in support of their graduate study. Scholars and Fellows must agree to teach for at least two years in a high-need school in return for each year of financial support received.
Application materials for INSPIRE Undergraduate Scholarships and Graduate Fellowships are available at the links below. If you would like additional information, please contact Dr. Reenay Rogers.
INSPIRE — a Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.
Application due dates and links to the 2024 Inspire Undergraduate Scholarship Application and 2024 Graduate Fellowship Application will be available shortly.