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STEM for Education Scholarship Program

If you are an engineering or physics major, you have the unique opportunity to greatly impact our future! Share your love and knowledge of engineering and physics by becoming a high school math or physics teacher. STEM-ESP will prepare you to be America's greatest change agents. Once you graduate from the program, you will be ready to educate the next generation of innovators.

The overarching goal of the STEM for Education Scholarship Program (STEM - ESP) at Rutgers University is to recruit, retain, and graduate a community of engineers and physicists who are dedicated to teaching physics, mathematics and engineering in high-needs, K-12 school districts. With a theme of "STEM for Humanity”, the program enhances Rutgers existing engineering and physics undergraduate program by intertwining seminars that illustrate the great impact science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)  has on society.

The STEM for Education Scholarship Program aims to prepare a diverse community of future K-12 teachers by:

Awarding scholarships in the amount of $15,000 per year for three years to a total of 15 engineering and physics students who will pursue teacher certification and teach in a high-needs school district (minimum of 2 years teaching for each year awarded scholarship);

Providing meaningful opportunities that enhance Scholars' content and pedagogical content knowledge to include coursework and fieldwork at local school districts;

Integrating the theme of “STEM for Humanity” by offering seminars and workshops engaging scholars in meaningful discussions on how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics impact society and ethical issues;

Establishing an e-mentor network between in-service teachers and pre-service Scholars; and

Establishing continuing professional development opportunities in the form of discourse communities, lending libraries, and online support for Scholars as they begin their career.

Requirements for STEM - ESP Scholars

  • (1) Participate in STEM-ESP academic and professional development activities;
  • (2) Take a series of coursework and maintain the required GPA to be eligible for teacher certification;
  • (3) Apply to the Graduate School of Education Teacher Preparation Program;
  • (4) Work in a high-need school for at least 2 years for each year that you receive the scholarship;
  • (5) Provide proof that you are working in a high-needs school; and
  • (6) Continue to engage in professional development with Rutgers in the early years (and beyond) of your teaching career.

For more information, contact Dean Michael Brown.

STEM-ESP is funded by the National Science Foundation under grant DUE-1136381. The material presented here is the sole responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of the National Science Foundation.