Westminster College Receives $1 Million Grant To Increase Qualified STEM Educators In Western PA High-Need Schools

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa., Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Officials announced today that a $1.027 million grant has been awarded to Westminster College through the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program of the National Science Foundation, a program aimed to increase qualifications of secondary educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (IQ STEM).

"Through this exceptional program, Westminster will significantly contribute to strengthening STEM skills and qualifications within the region's high-need secondary schools," said Dr. Richard H Dorman, Westminster College president. "Called the IQ STEM program, the grant enables us to continue our commitments to achieving outstanding educational outcomes not only at Westminster, but also in our region's schools."

According to Dr. Amy Camardese, Principal Investigator, Westminster's program will lead to a 53% increase in highly qualified STEM teachers in Western Pennsylvania with a cohort of 20 educators specialized in teaching in areas of high need at the end of five years.

Westminster's plans include workshops, development of capstone research and experiential learning and creation of a new course designed to address the racial, cultural, and economic needs of school districts trying to narrow the achievement gap.

The IQ Stem Grant at Westminster includes formal collaboration with Sharon City School District and the Farrell Area School District in Mercer County and the Union Area School District and New Castle Area School District in Lawrence County.  Each of the four districts meets one or more of the definitions of a "high-need" school district as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965.

A central part of Westminster's IQ Stem Grant is the Noyce Scholar Program, which supports academic scholarships for undergraduate STEM majors who commit to teaching in high-need K-12 school districts.  

About Westminster College
Founded in 1852 and related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Westminster College is a top-tier liberal arts college and a national leader in graduation rate performance, according to U.S. News Best Colleges guide. Westminster is also honored as one of "The Best 379 Colleges" by The Princeton Review, and is named to the President's Honor Roll for excellence in service learning.

Visit www.westminster.edu/advantage to view "Advantage: Westminster" A Strategic Plan 2010-2020.

SOURCE Westminster College