Using a Community of Practice to Prepare STEM Scholars for the Future of Education

About

The Ramapo Undergraduate Noyce STEM Scholars program, RUN2STEM, is a project that aims to serve the national need of preparing well-qualified and experienced STEM secondary teachers who are committed to teaching in high-need school districts and prepared for the future of education. For students that qualify, the program provides scholarships of $15,000 per year.

Our Partners

• Bergen Community College
• Secaucus High School
• Hawthorne High School

What is the Noyce Program?

The Noyce program supports talented STEM undergraduate majors and professionals to become effective K-12 STEM teachers, as well as experienced, exemplary K-12 teachers to become STEM master teachers in high-need school districts. It also supports research on the effectiveness and retention of K-12 STEM teachers in high-need school districts. More information about the program can be found on the National Science Foundation program page.

RUN2STEM Scholars

Ramapo Undergraduate Noyce STEM Scholars will be members of a community of practice that includes regional stakeholders, practicing teachers, and education experts. These RUN2STEM educators are committed to elevating and promoting the profession of teaching in STEM, instructing in high-need school districts and prepared for the future of education.

Who is Eligible to Become a RUN2STEM Scholar?

• Be at least junior status as a science or math major, or hold a B.S. degree in a STEM discipline (post- baccalaureate)
• Be accepted into the Teacher Education Certification program at Ramapo College
• Must be a US citizen, US national, or permanent resident alien
• Be a full-time student at Ramapo College (at least 12 credits per semester)
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above
• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the annual deadline.

Project Goals

1. Increase the number of students pursuing secondary certification in mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, and earth science at RCNJ by 50%, to a total of 45 graduates with STEM secondary licensure over the five-year funding period
2. Prepare 16 Noyce Scholars to teach STEM in a high-need school district
3. Graduate 16 Noyce Scholars who are committed to teach in a high-need school district
4. Train current and future STEM teachers on how to use AI and other technological advancements in the classroom
5. Develop a course plan for students transferring from Bergen Community College who will complete their secondary licensure at Ramapo College within three years.

Program Contact

For more information, contact Amanda Beecher (PI), Professor of Mathematics, at RUN2STEM@ramapo.edu.