Grant to Help UIndy Address ‘Critical Need’
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe University of Indianapolis says a more than $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation will help address a shortage of STEM teachers in local, high-need high schools. The school says the grant will fund an intensive, one-year program for industry professionals looking to get into teaching. The Teach (STEM) program, which includes clinical residence and mentorship components, allows graduates to earn Master of Arts in Teaching degrees.
The $1.2 million grant comes from the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. UIndy President Robert Manuel says landing the funding "is another successful example of the collaborative and strategic efforts of the University of Indianapolis with area schools to respond to the work force development needs of our state."
The grant will help UIndy provide tuition assistance to 36 teacher candidates in exchange for committing to serve has high school STEM teachers after graduation. So far, the school says the Teach (STEM) program has graduated 70 teachers.
UIndy says the clinical residency allows students to partner with an experienced teacher in a classroom throughout an entire school year while completing their graduate coursework. The school adds findings the Noyce Initiative will be used to strengthen teacher education programs and clinical residencies throughout the United States.
The program is the latest effort by the university to fill the STEM pipeline. Last month, UIndy launched the R.B. Annis School of Engineering, thanks to a $5 million gift from the R.B. Annis Educational Foundation. At the time, Manuel said the school’s curriculum would provide skills that will stay relevant in the industry for 20-30 years. He called the funding announcement "one of the big moments in history for us."