Here are the specifics for excellent science scholarships in the US aimed at supporting science education. These scholarships can assist in funding the education expenses of aspiring science teachers.
If you’re enthusiastic about fields like physics, chemistry, biology, Earth science, computer science, or any other scientific area, there are numerous scholarships in science education that offer opportunities to utilize your expertise in K-12 classrooms.
Science educators play a crucial role in making science engaging through hands-on experiments, stimulating field trips, science fairs, and research competitions within the school community.
Given that many of the most lucrative and sought-after careers in the 21st century are rooted in science, there’s a significant need for aspiring teachers to specialize in STEM subjects to ensure the future vitality of our economy.
In fact, statistics indicate that professions related to science, engineering, technology, and math will experience rapid growth of 17 percent by 2025!
Science Scholarships In The US
The AFCEA STEM Scholarship
Thanks to the generous support from Booz Allen Hamilton, the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) has established the STEM Teacher Scholarships. These scholarships offer $5,000 to graduate students who are actively pursuing a master’s degree or credential/licensure in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics education.
Eligible candidates for the STEM scholarships should be U.S. citizens, enrolled in an accredited on-campus program, majoring in secondary education with a focus on teaching STEM subjects, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.5, and currently in their second semester of study.
To apply, candidates must submit a current official transcript and at least two letters of recommendation from education faculty members.
The Lotze scholarships
The Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers, sponsored by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), offer $2,000 annually to exceptional undergraduate students who are either currently enrolled in or intending to join a physics teacher training program.
Eligible applicants must be admitted to an accredited two or four-year college, possess U.S. citizenship, aspire to teach high school physics, demonstrate potential for academic success through official transcripts, and will receive a complimentary one-year AAPT Student Membership along with attendance at the AAPT Winter Meeting if selected.
The Calvin Scholarship For Secondary Science Education
Established to honor the memory of two grandchildren, Megan and Chiai, of an esteemed alumni, the Calvin Secondary Science Education Scholarship aims to offer financial assistance of $2,400.
To qualify, applicants must be enrolled full-time, have reached at least sophomore status, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and express a commitment to a career in teaching science at the secondary level.
Additionally, students may also be eligible for Calvin’s Veltkamp Secondary Science Education Scholarship.
The Edwards Lifesciences Scholarship
Each year, the Edwards Lifesciences Scholarship Program awards $2,500 each to a maximum of 10 graduating high school seniors in Orange County, CA or Salt Lake County, UT, who intend to pursue further education in college with a focus on science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), including science education.
To qualify, candidates must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, plan to enroll as full-time students at an accredited university, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Selection criteria include academic performance, leadership potential, involvement in extracurricular activities, work experience, and future aspirations in STEM fields.
Scholarship In Memory Of Frank Pennington
Each year, the Frank Pennington Memorial Scholarship, named after a past chemistry professor and College of Natural Sciences Dean (1969-1977), is awarded by the Center for Mathematics and Science Education at California State University – Chico.
This scholarship, worth up to $5,000, supports students entering the teaching credential program for math or science.
Eligible candidates should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5, a strong dedication to teaching, and the potential to excel as high school math or science educators.
Scholarship Offered By Genzyme Biotechnology College
The Genzyme Biotechnology College Scholarship was established to promote science education in the United States. It provides financial assistance ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to two graduating high school seniors or current college students who are studying disciplines related to life sciences or engineering such as biology, chemistry, microbiology, and health sciences.
Eligible applicants must have lived in Allston or Brighton for the past three years, have been accepted into a four-year accredited university, and show academic potential.
In addition to completing the application, students are required to submit a list of extracurricular activities, official academic transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, two letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
Scholarship Endowed By Grace Ohrtman
Every year, the Science Education Department at the University of Northern Iowa awards the Grace Ohrtman Endowed Scholarship, offering around $2,000 each to two aspiring science educators majoring in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, earth science, or physics education.
Eligible applicants must showcase financial need, be enrolled full-time at UNI, plan to teach in Iowa for at least three years post-graduation, demonstrate a dedication to science education, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Applications must include a statement outlining teaching objectives, a completed FAFSA form, and two faculty recommendations.
Scholarship By Hach Second Career
This scholarship aims to support professionals in chemistry pursuing a master’s degree in education.
To qualify, candidates need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field, a minimum of one year of full-time work experience in a chemistry profession, acceptance into an accredited graduate teacher certification program, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and intentions to work as a secondary chemistry or science teacher.
Scholarship For Science Teaching By Knowles
Since its establishment in 2002, the Knowles Science Teaching Fellowships have offered financial aid of up to $10,000 for tuition to new educators who hold either a bachelor’s or graduate degree in science, engineering, or mathematics from accredited American institutions.
Qualified candidates must be dedicated to teaching high school-level science or mathematics, demonstrate strong subject expertise, have less than a year of full-time teaching experience, hold valid state teaching certification, and show potential for leadership in education.
Recipients of the fellowship will receive monthly stipends and personalized mentoring from seasoned STEM educators.
Science Scholarships In The US
The Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award
The Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award, facilitated by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), presents an annual grant of $1,000 to a maximum of 25 early-career K-12 educators within their initial five years of full-time teaching.
These recipients are recognized for their outstanding implementation of science education within their classrooms.
Eligibility requires NSTA membership in good standing, active involvement in association activities for a minimum of two years, submission of a supportive letter from a mentor or supervisor, and the composition of a 750-word narrative outlining their professional development aspirations.
Additionally, all awardees are extended an invitation to participate in the NSTA Annual Conference.
Science Teacher Scholarship By McCarthy
The McCarthy Science Teacher Scholarship, initiated by Denise and Gregory J. McCarthy at North Dakota State University’s Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CSME), awards $500 annually to two undergraduate students.
Eligible candidates should be full-time students in a bachelor’s program focusing on physical or earth science, aiming for secondary science teaching certification, and sustaining a minimum GPA of 3.2. Selection of recipients is conducted by a faculty committee, considering factors such as academic performance, educational aspirations in science, teaching background, and financial requirements.
Scholarship For Minority Teachers In Missouri
The Missouri Department of Higher Education offers the Minority Teaching Scholarship, providing financial support of up to $3,000 annually to African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American students admitted to an approved math or science teacher training program.
To qualify, applicants must be full-time students at a designated Missouri university, rank in the top 25 percent of their class, be residents of Missouri, hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Scholarship recipients are required to commit to five years of full-time teaching in science or mathematics at a Missouri public school.
Scholarships For Teaching Geoscience By NAGT-FWS
The Far Western Section of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT-FWS) provides three Geoscience Teaching Scholarships valued at $750 each. These scholarships are available to high-achieving college students who are currently accepted or enrolled full-time in an accredited university in Hawaii, Nevada, or California, maintaining a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
Eligible candidates include high school seniors, current undergraduates, or graduate students who are committed to utilizing their geological knowledge to teach geosciences in secondary schools. To apply, candidates must submit official transcripts, two instructor evaluation forms, and three short answers to questions, each comprising 150 words.
The Oklahoma Future Teachers Scholarship
Managed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE), the Future Teachers Scholarship Program aims to offer financial support of up to $1,500 annually to students pursuing teaching careers in vital shortage fields such as science education.
To qualify, applicants must be Oklahoma residents, belong to the top 15 percent of their class, attend an accredited education program at a state institution, uphold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate promise for effective classroom instruction.
Successful recipients commit to teaching for a minimum of three consecutive years on a full-time basis within Oklahoma’s public school districts.
Conclusion
To cultivate a new generation of scientists among young people, it’s crucial to invest in four to six years of higher education. Despite the steep rise in tuition fees, there are numerous scholarships and grants tailored for aspiring STEM educators, which can alleviate the burden of student loans. Exploring these science scholarships in the US can kickstart the process of instilling a love for scientific exploration in the minds of our future leaders.