Grants & Training

Middle School Science Teachers Invited to Apply to STEM Scholar Program by February 1

• By Kristal Kuykendall
• 01/06/22

The application deadline is approaching for the National STEM Scholar Program, which provides advanced STEM training, grant funds, and “big idea” project support for middle school science teachers who are selected to participate.

Ten teachers will be chosen to participate in the National STEM Scholar Program and invited to a week of advanced STEM training at The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science and The Center for Gifted Studies May 29 through June 4, 2022, at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. STEM Scholars also spend a day with a nationally or internationally recognized STEM speaker; past speakers have included Eric Mazur, Balkanski professor of physics and applied physics at Harvard University, and John Medina, author of The New York Times bestseller “Brain Rules.”

Applicants must be teachers from the United States who teach science classes a majority of the day in grades 6, 7, and/or 8 and have at least two years of previous experience teaching science.

Applications are due Feb. 1 and must be submitted online at the National STEM Scholar application website. Scholars are selected based solely on the merit of questions answered in the application.

The program was created in partnership between the National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University.

Since the program began, 60 STEM Scholars have been chosen representing middle schools in 29 states. Each successful applicant receives the following:

• Advanced education and leadership training on the campus of WKU May 29 – June 4, 2022. All expenses — travel, lodging and meals — are included.
• A notebook/tablet (Chromebook or similar) to facilitate ongoing collaboration.
• A generous stipend for technology and supplies to implement a classroom Challenge Project.
• Sponsored attendance at the National Science Teaching Association National Conference in March/April 2023. All expenses are included.
• Year-long mentorship and support provided by WKU faculty.

For more information or to apply, visit the National STEM Scholarship Program website or email [email protected]u.edu.