Christa McAuliffe, social studies teacher and astronaut, famously said, “I touch the future. I teach.” Thus, if you want to touch even further into the future, teach future teachers. What America is in most need of is science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) teachers.

It was with this in mind that Adel Aiken, EdD, emeritus chair of the education department, Kathy Austin, former adjunct associate professor of chemistry, and the late Ed Dambach, professor emeritus of mathematics, applied for and were awarded a Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Grant through the National Science Foundation to assist Geneva students who aspire to be STEM teachers. The five-year grant ran from June 1, 2020, through May 31, 2026. A total of $727,145 in scholarships, stipends, and salary supplements supported 17 students in STEM majors across biology, chemistry, engineering, math, and physics. All of the students committed to teaching in a high-needs school district for four years after graduation.

The grant, “Preparing STEM Teachers in Western Pennsylvania,” was used to fund the Geneva Preparing STEM (GPS) Teachers program for pre-service teachers and partnered with the New Brighton Area School District and the Urban Impact Foundation in Pittsburgh. Students in the program published several research papers in their respective fields, taught middle school children through internships, and taught elementary children through special STEAM events.

Melinda Stephens, PhD, provost and professor of chemistry, says,

“In a climate where teacher recruitment is a national challenge, the Noyce Program has been an invaluable asset to our institution, our students, and the regional school systems we serve. I am thankful for the good leadership of Adel Aiken, professor emeritus of education and the primary grant director for this project. Kathy Austin, Rodney Austin, Marjorie Tobias, and Ed Dambach also provided support to the program. Thank you to all of the other faculty and staff who dedicated their time, mentorship, and expertise to making this project a resounding success.”