Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program 

SHaping Innovative New Educators in STEM (SHINES)

The Moravian SHINES Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support talented STEM undergraduate majors and professionals to become effective K-12 STEM teachers in high-need school districts. 

Approximately six scholars will be carefully selected each year to participate in this unique opportunity. Candidates will earn their Pennsylvania initial teaching certification in middle or secondary STEM content areas including mathematics, biological sciences, and general science.

Program Benefits

Financial support and specialized programming will prepare our SHINES Scholars to become excellent and equitable STEM educators, with particular attention to best practices associated with successful teaching and leadership in high-need districts. 

• Scholarships: 
  • Undergraduates: Up to $16,000 per year for a maximum of two years
  • Post-baccalaureates: Up to $17,050 for a maximum of one year
• Paid Summer Opportunities: Noyce Scholars have paid summer opportunities with local non-profit organizations and Lehigh Valley Summerbridge.  
• Special Coursework and Programming: Special courses, service learning experiences, professional development opportunities, and attendance at the National Noyce Summit will provide scholars with necessary training and experience. 
• Professional Learning Community: Scholars will develop relationships with other professionals in the field of education, who will provide support throughout their educational experience and early teaching career.

Eligibility & Requirements 

To qualify for a Noyce Scholarship, students must:

• Meet citizenship requirements of the National Science Foundation (U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, aliens admitted as refugees, or aliens with lawful permanent residence).
• Be a current Moravian student, who is a: 
  • Full-time undergraduate student (entering their junior year) pursuing s STEM major and teacher certification;
    • Transfer students who will be juniors at the start of the scholarship year are welcome to apply
  • Post-baccalaureate student with a STEM degree seeking certification or a Master of Arts in Teaching degree

• Maintain and graduate with at least a 3.0 GPA in both the major and education courses.
• Participate in SHINES Noyce Scholarship activities.
• Commit to teach full-time in a high-need school as a STEM teacher for two years for each scholarship year. If not fulfilled, the scholarship will need to be repaid.
• Participate in all Moravian University and NSF reporting requirements.
• Maintain and receive appropriate education clearances throughout the program. 

How To Apply

To be considered for the scholarship, eligible students should complete the online application package that includes:

• Personal Statement: A personal statement of approximately 500 words that provides specific examples of relevant leadership, teamwork, and mentoring experiences, and specifically addresses the following:
  • (a) why you decided to pursue a teaching career in your chosen STEM area; 
  • (b) why you believe you will be a good STEM educator; and 
  • (c) what motivates you to want to teach in a high-need school. 
• Unofficial Transcript: An unofficial transcript from your current or most recent college/university. 
• Letter of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation from a professor or an educational/STEM-related professional who can speak to your potential or specific experiences as they relate to becoming a STEM educator.

All of the above documents should be submitted to Dr. Nathan Shank, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, at shankn@moravian.edu. 

Dr. Shank will reach out to schedule your interview with two members of the scholarship selection committee after your application and documentation are received. 

Selection Criteria 

Noyce Scholars will be selected based on their:

• academic merit
• academic plan for completion
• financial need
• potential to increase STEM diversity

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin on April 15 and will continue until all scholarships are awarded.

Contact

Questions? Please contact Dr. Nathan Shank, Professor of Mathematics, at shankn@moravian.edu.