The Robert Noyce Program

Hofstra University's Robert Noyce Scholarship & Fellowship Programs seek to increase the number of qualified and effective science and mathematics teachers in high-needs school districts. The programs are a partnership between Hofstra's School of Education, Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (HCLAS), and four local public school districts: Uniondale, Westbury, Roosevelt and Hempstead. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Noyce programs provide scholarship funding and a variety of benefits such as research opportunities and a summer institute stipend to both undergraduate and graduate students. Recipients are required to teach in any high-needs school district in the country for two years, for each year of the award. This commitment must be fulfilled within six years of graduation. The high-needs designation applies to many districts throughout the United States – large, small, urban and rural – and students may teach at the middle or high school level.

What is a High Need District?

The National Science Foundation defines a high-needs school district as one that meets at least one of the following criteria:

• It has at least one school in which 50 percent or more of the enrolled students are eligible for participation in the free or reduced price lunch program.
• It has at least one school in which: (i) more than 34 percent of the academic classroom teachers at the secondary level (across all academic subjects) do not have an undergraduate degree with a major or minor in, or a graduate degree in, the academic field in which they teach the largest percentage of their classes; or (ii) more than 34 percent of the teachers in two of the academic departments do not have an undergraduate degree with a major or minor in, or a graduate degree in, the academic field in which they teach the largest percentage of their classes.
• It has at least one school whose teacher attrition rate has been 15 percent or more over the last three school years.

Accepting the award requires the recipient to commit to teaching in a high-needs school district for two years for every year of the award anywhere in the country. If the teaching obligation is not met within six (6) years of receiving the award, the funds must be repaid, with interest.

Terms for Undergraduate Student Scholarships

Eligibility Requirements:

An applicant must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident.
• Be accepted to the School of Education with a co-major in any STEM related field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Students must be enrolled in one of the following programs:
  • Mathematics Education, B.A.
  • Science Education, B.A.
  • Elementary Education, B.A.
  • Dual Early Childhood and Childhood Education, B.A.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.26 or higher.
• Agree to teach in a high-needs school district for at least two years for each year he or she receives the scholarship. Recipients much be teaching elementary school or in grades 7-12 math and science classes.

Scholarship Award Benefits:

• $20,000 scholarship per year
• Enhanced advisement
• Field placement in high-needs school district
• School-based mentors
• Research opportunities
• Workshops and conference attendance opportunities
• Stipend in the amount of $450 for participating in a two-week summer institute

Terms for Graduate Student Fellowships

Eligibility Requirements:

An applicant must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident.
• Be accepted to the School of Education within the following programs
  • Science Education, M.S.Ed.
  • Mathematics Education, M.S.Ed.
  • Elementary Education, M.S.Ed or Dual Early Childhood and Childhood Education, M.S.Ed. It is required for students in these programs to have obtained a bachelor’s degree in a STEM related field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Agree to teach in a high-needs school district for at least two years for each year he or she receives the scholarship. Recipients much be teaching elementary school or in grades 7-12 math and science classes.

Fellowship Award Benefits:

• Fellowship that covers full tuition for one academic year (including two summer sessions)
• Stipend in the amount of $450 for participating in a two-week summer institute
• Placement in a high-needs middle or high school with a school-based mentor
• Enhanced advisement
• Research opportunities
• Workshops and conference attendance opportunities

Robert Noyce Program Requirements

All Noyce Scholars (undergraduate students) and Fellows (graduate students) are required to:

• Obtain their teaching certification at Hofstra University.
• Meet with faculty advisors at least once a month.
• Work closely with assigned mentors.
• Participate in all Noyce program activities.
• Complete Noyce program survey and assessment forms.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Teach in a high-needs school district for a period of two years for every year of Noyce program aid received.

Application Procedure

All applicants are required to:

• Complete and sign the application form.
  • Graduate Fellowship Application
  • Undergraduate Scholarship Application
• Write a personal statement (2-3 pages) describing educational and career goals. The following should be addressed:
  • Interest in and commitment to science and mathematics education.
  • Rationale for teaching in a high-needs school environment.
  • Characteristics of effective science and mathematics teaching techniques, based on your experience.
• Provide official copies of all university/college transcripts.
• Provide two sealed letters of reference (see forms on website).
• Have a FAFSA on file with Hofstra University’s Office of Student Financial Services.
• Provide a resume of extracurricular activities and related experiences.
• Complete a Contract of Responsibilities form.

Finalists are invited to participate in an interview at Hofstra University.

Contact Information