Who should consider applying to the NSF Robert Noyce Teaching Scholarship Program?

Current JUNIORS and SENIORS who are majoring in a STEM area (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or Medical Laboratory Science**) who are interested in becoming a middle or high school math or science teacher in a high-need urban school.

** Medical Laboratory Science majors must be concentrated in biotechnology or cytotechnology in order to be eligible for this program.

To be eligible, you must be:

• Either a U.S. citizen or national, or permanent resident alien

• Currently enrolled at UMD and majoring in a STEM area

• Interested in becoming a math or science teacher in an urban, high-need middle or high school

• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (must be maintained during senior year in order to continue receiving scholarship and matriculate into teacher licensure program)

• Have passed both required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL)s - Communication and Literacy Skills Test as well as Academic Subject Matter Test in the content area / grade level you wish to teach - prior to receiving any scholarship funds

Applicants from diverse backgrounds and under-represented gender, as well as graduates from local high-need schools, are especially encouraged to apply.

How many years of the NSF Robert Noyce Scholarship am I eligible to apply for?

JUNIORS are eligible to apply for the scholarship for TWO years -

• the first year would award them $10,000 towards their tuition and fees at UMD while they complete their Bachelor's degree.

• the second year (after graduating) would award them an additional $19,000 towards tuition, fees and living expenses while they earn their initial teaching license at UMD through their choice of a variety of programs

• In return for receiving two years of scholarship, totaling $29,000, you must commit to teach for four years at a high-need school upon successful completion of your teacher licensure program

SENIORS are eligible to apply for the scholarship for ONE year -

• this would award them (after graduating) with $19,000 towards tuition, fees and living expenses while they earn their initial teaching license at UMD through their choice of a variety of programs

• In return for receiving one year of scholarship you must commit to teach for two years at a high-need school upon successful completion of your teacher licensure program

What is a "high-needs" school?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) defines a high-need school as a local educational agency that serves an elementary or secondary school located in an area in which there is:

          A. a high percentage of individuals from families with incomes below the poverty line;

          B. a high percentage of secondary school teachers not teaching in the content area in which the teachers were trained to teach; or

          C. a high teacher turnover rate.

NSF uses the Teacher Cancellation Low Income Directory for a listing of eligible schools.  This list includes publicly funded schools (including vocational/technical & charter schools) as well as privately funded schools. 

Do I need to stay and teach in Massachusetts?

Since NSF Robert Noyce Teaching Scholarship Program is a NATIONAL program, you are NOT restricted to schools only in Massachusetts to complete your commitment to NSF after earning your initial teaching license. 

How long do I have to complete my teaching commitment?

Students have up to eight years after successfully completing their teacher licensure program to complete their teaching commitment. 

What if I do not complete the teacher licensure program or my teaching commitment?

It is expected that failure to satisfy the academic requirements of the program or to complete the service requirement will result in forfeiture of the scholarship award, which will revert to a loan that students are expected to pay pro-rated accordingly to reflect partial service completed.