Davenport offers STEM students full-ride scholarships to achieve bachelor’s degrees, teach in urban schools

(Grand Rapids, Mich. – November 17, 2021)  In response to a statewide teacher shortage, Davenport University’s College of Urban Education is offering a new scholarship opportunity for students pursuing a degree in any science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field who are also interested in teaching within an urban or high needs school district. The National Science Foundation Noyce Scholarship enables students, progressing to their junior and senior years or possessing an associate degree, to earn two more years toward a bachelor’s degree, as well as a teaching certificate.

STEM professionals that are interested in becoming teachers are also eligible for stipend support while they complete Davenport’s urban education graduate certificate which leads to teacher certification.

Michigan is facing a teacher shortage. In fact, according to the Michigan Education Association, teacher retirement was up 40% last year. In addition, 1 in 5 new Michigan teachers are leaving the profession in their first 5 years of college and fewer students are pursuing the degree in college.

“Davenport University is committed to aligning resources and opportunities to address the growing teacher shortage in Michigan,” said Dr. Richard Pappas, president of Davenport University. “These students will graduate with a unique education opportunity enabling them to pursue a teaching career and the flexibility to shift gears and pursue a STEM career if they choose.”

Students selected for this scholarship will receive tuition to complete their chosen bachelor’s program, a teaching certificate through Davenport’s College of Urban Education, and specialized training in STEM education teaching practices for K-12 urban schools.

Over the next 4 years, Davenport will offer 23 eligible students this scholarship for up to 2 years of education and post-baccalaureate studies leading to teacher certification.

Students chosen for this scholarship program will become FUSE Scholars. The FUSE Scholar Program provides a pathway to become certified teachers through Davenport’s College of Urban Education and equips them with the skills and tools to be highly effective STEM educators in urban schools.

The new scholarship offering was made possible because of a National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship/Stipends Grant awarded to Davenport’s College of Urban Education for this purpose.

What is the requirement to earn the scholarship?

Students will be selected based on their academic performance. Each applicant will interview for the opportunity. All scholarship recipients will be required to teach in a high-need school district and serve as a teacher for two years for each year the student received scholarship support.

Students interested in applying for the scholarship can learn more at davenport.edu/fuse-scholarship-program or send an email to kristen.evenhouse@davenport.edu. Students must apply by Dec. 12, 2021.

 This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2050597. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.