National Science Foundation (NSF) Robert Noyce Scholarship
Science Teachers for Rural America - A Post-Baccalaureate STEM Teacher Licensure Project
Fort Hays State University created a post-baccalaureate program to increase the number of secondary science or mathematic teachers to meet the demand of rural school districts. This program is a competitive award program for individuals who have obtained a bachelor's degree in science or mathematics and are considering a teaching career. Individuals selected for one of the six awards will receive a $24,788 stipend to complete coursework in a special post-baccalaureate program leading to full teaching licensure. The curriculum will be delivered primarily online with field experiences and student teaching completed in a rural school district.
In addition to preparation for teaching, resources will be provided to support travel to the Kansas Association of Teachers of Science Conference, payment of testing fees, and extended support over the first three years of teaching. NSF Grant# Due 2151122
2024-2025 Science Teachers for Rural America flyer
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Individuals who hold at least a bachelor's degree in:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Geosciences
- Mathematics
- Science and Engineering
What are My Obligations?
- Students teach in a rural school district.
- Complete two years of teaching in a high-needs rural district within eight years of program completion.
Where do I get an application?
If completing a paper copy, please complete the following forms requested below.
- Application: Post-Baccalaureate Noyce Teacher Application
- Reference Form: Post-Baccalaureate Noyce Teacher Reference Form
- Unofficial Transcripts: Emailed as a PDF to Matthew Clay maclay@fhsu.edu
"Science Teachers for Rural America has been a transformative experience. Through the lens of Teaching in Rural Places, I came to understand rural teaching not as a limitation, but as a deeply purposeful calling. The program helped me recognize the value of teaching where relationships are central, where the local context can inform authentic scientific inquiry, and where education is often an act of resilience.
The coursework challenged me to look critically at curriculum design, equity of access, and the power of place-conscious instruction. I learned how to integrate technology meaningfully, respect cultural and community norms, and make intentional connections between scientific standards and local relevance.
Most of all, the program affirmed my belief that rural schools are sacred spaces—places where students are not only known but deeply valued. I now approach my classroom as both a steward of science and a community builder. I am proud to say that I am a teacher rooted in place, guided by faith, and committed to lifting up rural voices in education. “ Margarita Humbelina Harper
“The Science Teachers for Rural America (STRA) program at Fort Hays State University was a huge factor in my decision to become a teacher. When I began considering a career in education, I found several options that would allow me to transition my undergraduate degree into the classroom. However, the STRA program offered an amazing opportunity to have my tuition, licensure courses, and additional start-up costs for my classroom covered. In addition, I was able to pursue my Master of Science in Education degree by applying all the credit hours earned in the STRA program to my degree.
STRA also has an emphasis on rural science education, which was a perfect fit for the area I was (and currently am) living in. They worked seamlessly with my school district to ensure I could transition into the classroom with an outstanding support system. I was able to meet and build relationships with several other science teachers across rural Kansas and work alongside amazing professors in the School of Education. The STRA had a huge impact on my education and career. Without it, I may not have made the decision to pursue a career in teaching. I am extremely grateful for the support I received through this program and would highly recommend any individual with a science or math background to apply.” Luke Maneth
The Noyce Scholarship has allowed our district to not only fill a vital position in a core content area but has allowed us to find and retain an outstanding educator. Mrs. Peterson is a dynamic teacher, who through her studies the scholarship has provided continues to excel in and out of the classroom for our students. The process of using the scholarship is very easy and allows USD 401 Chase Raymond to not only provide high quality instruction in the area of Science at our secondary school but to attract and retain a knowledgeable, passionate, and caring educator who fills our building with positive culture, high impact instruction, and a keen understanding of knowledge gained to real world application…This is in part the definition of a quality educator. I hope we continue to have opportunities to find and retain top quality educators like Mrs. Peterson!
Beyond the Classroom: Discover the Desire to Teach
- Noyce Scholar into a STEM Teacher in Western Kansas video
- Why STEM Teachers Teach?
- Colby Community College Noyce partner
- Garden City Community College Noyce partner
- So you want to be a Noyce Scholar?
- Leaders Shaping Lives
