WGU Texas Launches New STEM Teachers Scholarship

AUSTIN, Texas, June 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The online Teachers College of Western Governors University (parent university of WGU Texas), the nations' top producer of science and math teachers, has launched the Future STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Teachers of America Scholarship. Twenty scholarships, each valued at up to $5,000, will be awarded to aspiring math and science teachers who are ready to take on the increasing challenges of today's Texas classrooms.

Qualified, dedicated teachers are desperately needed in Texas, particularly in rural communities and in subjects like math and science. In a recent Eduventures study, WGU was ranked as the nation's top provider of a number of math and science teacher-preparation degrees. Earlier this year, the nonprofit, competency-based university was named a partner in 100Kin10, the national initiative to train 100,000 science, technology, engineering, and math teachers by 2021.

"Preparing effective STEM educators is a national priority, and by committing $100,000 in scholarships, WGU has shown its continued focus on developing and delivering high-quality math and science education programs," said Dr. Philip Schmidt, Dean of WGU's Teachers College.

Jennifer Grube, a recent graduate of the WGU Texas Teachers College was working full time as an administrator in Austin, Texas when she decided to pursue her master's degree. "Working a full time job, I knew I needed something that would fit into my busy schedule, so online education really made sense," she said. "The best thing about WGU is that it's incredibly affordable and you can study on your own time."

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be officially admitted to a WGU Teachers College licensure program in one of the STEM fields, complete the enrollment process, and have an interview with a scholarship counselor. The scholarship program is competitive; scholarships will be awarded based on candidate's academic record, readiness for online study at WGU, and other considerations. The $5,000 scholarship will be applied at the rate of $1,000 per six-month term, renewable for up to five terms. For more information and details on the scholarship, visit www.wgu.edu/STEMscholarship. 

Like all of WGU Texas' degree programs, the university's NCATE-accredited teacher education programs are competency-based, an approach that focuses on measuring learning rather than time spent in class. Designed to meet the needs of busy adults with work and family obligations, competency-based learning allows students to advance as soon as they demonstrate mastery of course subject matter. WGU Texas offers some of the lowest tuition in the state —about $3,000 per six-month term for teacher education programs—charged at a flat rate, regardless of the number of courses taken.

The following teacher licensure programs are eligible for the Future STEM Teachers of America Scholarship:

• B.A. Mathematics (5–9 or 5–12)
• B.A. Science (Chemistry, 5–12)
• B.A. Science (Physics, 5–12)
• B.A. Science (Biological Science, 5–12)
• Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation, Mathematics (5–9 or 5–12)
• Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation, Science (5–9 or 5–12)
• M.A. Teaching, Mathematics (5–9 or 5–12)
• M.A. Teaching, Science (5–9 or 5–12)

WGU Texas' Teachers College also offers master's degree and endorsement-preparation programs for already-licensed teachers. For more information about WGU Texas's online education degree programs, visit http://texas.wgu.edu/education/online_teaching_degree.

About WGU Texas
As the state's only online, competency-based university, WGU Texas offers accredited bachelor's and master's degrees in the high-demand fields. WGU Texas' model is unique—rather than earning degrees based on time spent in class, students advance toward their credential at their own pace by demonstrating competency. Because students advance as soon as they demonstrate mastery of course materials, they can usually graduate with a bachelor's degree in three years—saving time and money.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Learn more at texas.wgu.edu  or call 1-877-214-7011.

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Contact for enrollment information:
877.214.7011
texas.wgu.edu

Contact for media inquiries:
Holly Subervi, PR Manager
512-225-6652 or 512-965-4500
holly.subervi@wgu.edu

SOURCE WGU Texas