InVEST in STEM

Interested in teaching biology, chemistry, math, or physics? Funding may be available for you to earn a bachelor’s degree at Longwood University nearly debt free!

The InVEST in STEM Noyce Scholarship Program provides financial and enhanced support services for students on their journeys to become mathematics and science teachers for grades 6-12. The InVEST in STEM scholarships, paired with Virginia Western’s existing financial aid, provides a clear pathway forward for students to become secondary STEM teachers in a reasonable amount of time and without the burden of immense student loan debt.

Juniors and seniors enrolled at Longwood University may apply for annual scholarships of up to $20,000 for up to 3 years. Graduates of the InVEST in STEM program must commit to teaching at a high-need school district for two years per each year of funding received, after earning their secondary teacher certification in their chosen STEM field.

• Your teaching commitment must be fulfilled within 8 years after graduation from the program.
• If an InVEST in STEM Scholar recipient does not fulfill the teaching requirement, the scholarship must be repaid in part or in full, in proportion to the fulfillment of the teaching commitment met, as described in the Scholar Expectations.
• The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is a national organization with programs across the country which seeks to encourage talented STEM to become K-12 mathematics and science teachers.

Why teach?

• Teaching is a job that you can do ANYWHERE–getting your licensure at Longwood allows you to teach all over Virginia AND in 46 other states!
• Teaching is a high-demand field with lots of openings (especially in STEM-related areas).
• Teachers have the chance to make a positive difference—your societal impact is clear! Teachers as a whole are six times more likely to say that they make a difference in people’s lives than other STEM professionals.
• Job security and great benefits (like health insurance, parental leave, and a retirement plan!)
• Regular chance to be creative and collaborative; no two days are the same!
• Teachers have very flexible work schedules—holidays and summers off!
• Being a teacher allows you to be a lifelong learner.

To learn more about InVEST in STEM, email Bryan Snare at bsnare@virginiawestern.edu or click here: https://blogs.longwood.edu/investinstem/.

This material is based upon work supported by the The National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2243356. 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.