Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Noyce Teaching Scholarship?
It is a grant awarded to Lewis University to provide a scholarship, summer research stipend, and programmatic support to talented STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) majors to become middle or high school teachers. The grant seeks to increase the number of secondary and middle school teachers with strong STEM content knowledge to teach in high-needs school districts.

Who belongs to the Lewis University Noyce Scholarship Community?
Noyce Scholars, Lewis University faculty, Bremen High School District 228, Joliet Township High School District 204, and Valley View School District 365. In addition, Lewis supports the National Science Foundation which has the same goal of enhancing K-12 science and math education.

Why is it called the Noyce Scholarship?
Robert Noyce was the co-inventor of the integrated circuit and went on to oversee development of the very first microprocessors at a company he co-founded called Intel. Robert Noyce died in 1990; however, his legacy lives on. The Robert Noyce Teaching Scholarship Program is an act of Congress originally authorized in 2002 and subsequently re-authorized in 2007 and 2010. The goal of the scholarship is to meet the critical need for K-12 teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by encouraging talented STEM students and professionals to pursue teaching careers in elementary and secondary schools.  For more information go to http://nsfnoyce.org/

How much money is awarded through the Noyce scholarship?
Scholarship awards vary depending on student need and length of time as a Noyce scholar. On average students will receive a maximum of $12,000 per academic year for tuition and additional stipends for research, conferences and educational materials.

Who is eligible to be a Noyce Scholar?

• Juniors or seniors who demonstrate proficiency in a STEM content area (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Math) with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher
• Recent baccalaureate degree recipients in a STEM field
• Full time enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate student.
• U.S. Citizenship or application to become a U.S. Citizen.

How are Noyce scholars selected?
Scholars are awarded scholarships based on a competitive application process. This process addresses the interest in teaching in secondary education in a STEM area and within high needs schools. Applicants are asked to share information in an essay about their educational experiences and what they hope to achieve as a Lewis Noyce scholar. Applicants will be ranked based on their essay by the STEM Teacher Leadership Team, letters of recommendation and interview with members of the Leadership Team. Scholars will be chosen by their combined score on essay, academic and teaching potential and personal interview. 

What opportunities exist for Noyce Scholars?

• Attendance at workshops and special events offered by Lewis University or Noyce conferences.
• Work with a Lewis professor to conduct a paid summer research experience. 
• Engage in a Culturally Responsive class while completing a field experience in high need school.

What is expected of me as a Noyce Scholar?

Noyce Scholars are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA, participate in planned content and pedagogical workshops, conduct and present research related to your field of study or teaching practice, participate in the community of practice, and teach in a high-needs school. Upon acceptance of the Noyce award, students who earn a teaching license will be required to teach in a high-needs school district for 2 years for every year of Noyce funding. Since the scholarship supports students for up to 2 years, this means a minimum commitment of 4 years in teaching.

What does it mean to teach in a “high-needs School District?”
The term "high-need local educational agency (or high-need LEA)", as defined in section 201 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1021), means a U.S. local educational agency (e.g., school district) that has at least one school that:

• meets at least one of the following criteria:
• not less than 20% of the children served by the agency are from low-income families;
• serves at least 10,000 children from low-income families;
• is eligible for funding under the Small, Rural School Achievement Program under 20 U.S.C. 7345(b); or
• is eligible for funding under the Rural and Low-Income School Program under 20 U.S.C. 7351(b);
  
  
• and meets at least one of the following criteria:
• has a high percentage of teachers not teaching in the academic subject areas or grade levels in which the teachers were trained to teach; or
• has a high teacher turnover rate or a high percentage of teachers with emergency, provisional, or temporary certification or licensure.

What must a Noyce Scholar do after graduation?

• One month prior to licensure, Noyce scholars will provide the Lewis University Noyce primary investigator with home contact information and summer contact information if different than home. This should include an email address that is not the Lewis address.
  
  
• Noyce scholars should maintain a list with documentation of all districts where employment applications have been submitted. A member of the Noyce leadership may request the list at the end of each semester (including summer) after graduation until the employment contract has been submitted.
  
  
• A copy of a signed employment contract should be sent to the Noyce Primary Investigator after securing a position.
  
  
• Each year for up to 4 years after securing the first position, the scholar will send a documented statement verifying employment to the Noyce primary investigator (PI).   The PI will send out a reminder at the beginning of each fall semester, but the submission of employment verification is the responsibility of the scholar. Verification could be a signed letter from the principal, statement from Human Resources, or a new contract.
  
  
• Any change in contact information, including email, needs to be sent to the Noyce PI.

What if I fail to meet the teaching requirements after graduation?
Upon acceptance of the Noyce award, students will be required to sign an agreement committing to teach in a high-needs school district for two years for every year of Noyce funding. Scholars have eight (8) years to fulfill their commitment. Lewis University uses the Teach Grant agreement as a model for the Noyce award agreement to monitor employment and to collect repayment of scholarship funds if necessary.

Noyce graduates continue to be supported through the Noyce program once they have graduated and are in the classroom. Scholars will continue to stay in contact with their faculty and local school mentors for the first year after graduation. Scholars are also invited to an alumni panel at the end of every academic year to share experiences in the classroom with each other and with current scholars. Scholars are encourage to attend community of practice events, communicate with faculty and other scholars through on-line applications. 

Whom Should I Contact if I have additional questions about the Noyce Program?
Principal Investigator for Noyce Grant:
Dr. Dorene Huvaere
Middle/Secondary Department Chair
HuvaerDo@lewisu.edu

To find out more info on Lewis University Noyce program you can look around our website.

You can also find information by emailing Noyce@lewisu.edu

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