The NSF Noyce Scholarship at Northeastern Illinois University prepares talented undergraduate mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics or earth science students and Teacher Licensure Program students to become highly qualified teachers at the high school level.

Through the NSF Noyce Scholarship, future teachers build a solid foundation through rich and rigorous experiences and opportunities. This program is designed to enhance students’ ability to become highly effective mathematics and science teachers in a high-need school setting. Students with identities traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields are especially encouraged to apply. 

Overview

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Noyce Scholars Program provides funding for up to three years (1-2 years of undergraduate studies + 1 additional year in the Teacher Licensure Program).

GRADUATE STUDENTS

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Noyce Scholars Program provides up to one year of support for graduate students who have earned their bachelor's degree in mathematics or science and are seeking Teacher Licensure in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science.

Benefits

  • Informational seminars and interactive workshops on a variety of teacher preparation topics for working in a high-need school setting (i.e. social emotional learning and restorative justice)
  • Mentorship by both Noyce Scholars faculty and classroom teachers from high-need schools in the Chicago Public Schools system
  • Opportunities in the GEAR UP project for direct and ongoing experiences with high school students, teachers, parents, community members and Center for College Access and Success staff consultants
  • Membership in the NEIU Noyce Scholars cohort and the national NSF Noyce Scholars network
  • Academic, career and personal guidance and support through program completion
  • Financial assistance

Eligibility requirements

As of May 2022, the NEIU Noyce Scholarship Program is no longer accepting applications because the funding of this five-year grant has come to a close. Please revisit this page in Summer 2023 to see if new applications are being accepted at that time. 

  • Applicants must be either:
    • Transfer students from City Colleges of Chicago who have already been admitted to NEIU with intent to teach high school mathematics or science
    • Undergraduate students at NEIU with a declared mathematics or science major and with the intent to teach high school mathematics or science
    • Graduate students at NEIU in the Teacher Licensure Program (TLP) for secondary education in mathematics or science
  • Undergraduate applicants must have completed at least 60 credits (junior status) at the time funding begins
  • Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; students must maintain a 3.0 to remain eligible for the scholarship per NSF guidelines
  • First-generation college students with income eligibility (must complete FAFSA) and/or students who identify as members of an underrepresented group are given preference 
  • Applicants must have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency per NSF guidelines

Requirements and benefits of the program

  • Participation in workshops, advisories, seminars, and professional development in preparation to teach in a high-need high school
  • Paid internship opportunity in the GEAR UP STEM or Upward Bound Math & Science Academy during the first summer
  • Summer research experience and development of a lesson plan with other Noyce Scholars during the second summer
  • Attendance at one or more conference(s) (i.e. National NSF Noyce Program Conference, Regional Midwest NSF Noyce Conference, (STEAM)² Conference, Beginning Teacher Conference)
  • A presentation at (STEAM)² Conference, NEIU Student Research and Creative Activities Symposium, or other conference related to field of study
  • Monthly coaching sessions with a Noyce program faculty member
  • Completion of clinical observation hours and student teaching in a high-need school 
  • Completion of a classroom action research project with a team of Noyce Scholars
  • Participation in workshops, advisories, seminars, and professional development in preparation to teach in a high-need high school
  • Completion of the requirements to obtain the Illinois Profession Educators' License in Secondary Education in mathematics or science (biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science)

Commitment after completion of the program

  • Full-time employment in a high-need school as a mathematics or science teacher for two years for each year of scholarship funding received
    • i.e. a student who receives 1 year of funding commits to completing 2 years of employment in a high-need local educational agency* after obtaining teaching licensure (with preference for high-need Chicago Public School high schools)
    • Teaching commitment must be met within eight (8) years after completion of the program 
  • Participants unable to (1) complete their degree and certification programs or (2) fulfill the teaching commitment will be required to repay the amount of NSF Noyce support received plus any applicable interest; a signed promissory note is required, acknowledging the conditional nature of the award and stating a promise to repay the funds

How to Apply for Noyce

*A high-need local educational agency is a school district that has at least one school in which 50% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, 34% or more teachers are teaching out-of-field, or there is a 15% or higher attrition rate for teachers within the last three years.