University Awarded $1 Million from National Science Foundation

A five-year, $1,049,996 grant from the National Science Foundation will fund a University project focused on recruiting and training undergraduate science and math majors to teach in high-need school districts. The University will collaborate on the grant project with Mercer County Community College and the Paterson Public Schools.

The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program seeks to encourage talented undergraduate science and mathematics majors to become K-12 mathematics and science teachers. The program provides funds to institutions of higher education to support scholarships, stipends, and academic programs for undergraduate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) majors who commit to teaching in high-need K-12 school districts.

“I am proud that the National Science Foundation has chosen William Paterson University for this prestigious grant, which builds on our long-standing partnerships and success in preparing teachers in the STEM disciplines as well as teachers for urban schools,” says President Kathleen Waldron. “We are also delighted to expand our partnership with Mercer County Community College as we collaborate to seek additional STEM majors who wish to become teachers.”

With this grant award, William Paterson intends to recruit at least 24 undergraduate science and mathematics majors into K-12 teaching. The project, a joint initiative of the University’s College of Education and College of Science and Health, will be led by Djanna Hill, professor of secondary and middle school education, and Jyoti Champanerkar, associate professor of mathematics. Students selected for the program are eligible for scholarships, summer internships, tutoring, and/or teaching assistantships and are provided with mentoring opportunities. The University will collaborate with the Paterson Public Schools to provide student teaching and practicum placements.