STEM-ACT Scholarship Program

STEM-ACT is a scholarship program that provides financial support for Westfield State University STEM (Biology, Chemistry, General Science, or Mathematics) secondary education students who are passionate about high-need school districts and advancing STEM education. Students selected as STEM-ACT Scholars become part of a community of practice that includes teacher candidates, teachers from high-need school districts, and WSU faculty. The program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Noyce Program, which addresses the need to prepare and retain highly effective mathematics and science teachers and teacher leaders in high-need school districts. STEM-ACT Scholars receive scholarship support of $12,000 per year for their junior and senior years, along with customized wrap-around advising, professional development, and mentoring. Scholars participate in close collaboration with high-need school districts and become part of a community committed to supporting STEM education in high-need districts. Additional benefits include opportunities to attend local, regional, and national conferences, as well as testing support. Recipients must commit to serve as full-time STEM teachers in a high-need school district anywhere in the United States for two years for each full year of scholarship received, to be fulfilled within eight years after completing their STEM baccalaureate program. The program emphasizes culturally sustaining practices, social justice, and education to help increase retention of teachers in high-need districts.