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The Robert Noyce Program
The Hofstra Noyce Scholarship & Stipend programs seek to increase the number of qualified and effective science and mathematics teachers in high-needs school districts. The programs are a partnership among Hofstra's School of Education, Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (HCLAS), Nassau Community College, and four local public school districts: Freeport, Roosevelt, Uniondale, and Westbury. 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 four years and eight years of graduation for graduate and undergraduate students, respectively. 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% 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% 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% 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% or more over the last three school years.
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 Mathematics Education or Science Education.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Agree to teach secondary mathematics or science (grades 7-12) in a high-needs school district for at least two years for each year of scholarship support
Scholarship Award Benefits:
- Up to $20,000 scholarship per academic year
- Enhanced advisement
- Field placement in high-needs school district with school-based mentor
- Research opportunities
- Workshops and conference attendance opportunities
Terms for Graduate Student Stipends
Eligibility Requirements:
An applicant must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident
- Be accepted to one of the following programs
- MSEd in Science Education
- MSEd in Mathematics Education
- MSEd in Inclusive Secondary Special Education with a concentration in Science or Mathematics
- Adv. Cert. in Secondary Education with a concentration in Science or Mathematics
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Agree to teach secondary mathematics or science (grades 7-12) in a high-needs school district for at least two years for each year of stipend support
Graduate Award Benefits:
- Tuition stipend of up to $24,200 per academic year
- Enhanced advisement
- Field placement in a high-needs school district with a school-based mentor
- Research opportunities
- Workshops and conference attendance opportunities
Noyce Program Alumnus
Alexander Nantsis
Alexander Nantsis graduated from Hofstra University in May 2017, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. He was hired by the Westbury School District just three months after graduation.
Robert Noyce Program Requirements
In addition to the undergraduate and graduate eligibility requirements listed above, all Noyce Scholars 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
Application Procedure
All applicants are required to:
- Complete and sign the application form
- 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
- Motivation 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 résumé of extracurricular activities and related experiences
- Complete a Contract of Responsibilities form
Contact the Director
Noyce Program Director
Dr. Behailu Mammo, Director,
Associate Professor, Mathematics
Room 311 Roosevelt Hall
130 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549-1030
516-463-8693