As a program designed to get math and science teachers into Western Kansas classrooms, the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship continues to provide connections, funding, and mentorship through continued engagement. “Fostering STEM Futures: Resiliency and Assessment Practices” was the theme of the Midwest Annual Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, attended by FHSU faculty, students, and alumni.

The conference, held in St. Louis, Missouri, in October, was designed to strengthen and expand the partnerships and networks established through previous Noyce Conference grants.

Attending the conference were FHSU faculty members, Dr. Janet Stramel, Dr. Paul Adams, Dr. Bill Weber, Dr. Matthew Clay, Mr. Earl Legleiter, Mrs. Ann Noble, along with FHSU students Kobi Shubert, WaKeeney; Lili Shubert, WaKeeney; Mollie Houtz, Elkhart; Sarah Abernathy, Oberlin, and former FHSU students: Katie Flax, math teacher in Western Plains, and Kole Clarke, science teacher in Lyons. Dr. Jeff Sekavec, a community college partner from Colby Community College, also attended the conference.

Applications are now underway for the 2025 National Science Foundation (NSF) Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship, an award of $15,000 per year (renewable for a second year). According to Dr. Stramel, six to seven scholarships are expected to be awarded.

Stramel said that a significant change from previous NSF grants is FHSU’s coordination with its community college partners (Colby, Dodge City, Garden City, Seward County, and Barton County.)

“As a recruiting tool, we are giving financial assistance to community college students who have an interest in teaching math or science,” Stramel said. “We are also working to develop a certificate program in rural education.”

For more information or to apply for the 2025 Robert Noyce Scholarship, go to: https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/noyce/crest-program

Find out more about Fort Hays State University at https://www.fhsu.edu/university-communications/