$9.6M In Grants To Help Recruit, Prep And Place STEM Teachers

INDIANAPOLIS – Science, technology, engineering and mathematics teachers will benefit from $9.6 million in grants.

“These grants are amplifying efforts to recruit and retain educators in a field that’s rapidly changing the jobs of tomorrow in the Hoosier state,” Gov. Mike Pence said in a statement. “When it comes to ensuring our young people are on a pathway to success in the workforce or in post-secondary studies, a STEM curriculum is critical.”

The 13 grants, given to colleges and organizations, will support programs with recruiting, preparation and placement. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education said many schools are running short on educators in the STEM subject areas.

The Indiana General Assembly created the STEM Teacher Recruitment Fund in 2013. This year’s grants will help fund special training for the teachers in the STEM subjects, dual credit credentials, mentoring programs and retain teachers.

“These projects will help Indiana fill STEM teaching positions in high-need areas across the state,” Indiana Higher Education Commissioner Teresa Lubbers said in a statement. “Amid statewide and national conversations about the need for more teachers who are qualified to teach STEM subjects, this fund supports efforts that help Indiana attract, support and keep great educators.”

The teachers who accept this award are required to continue working in the Indiana public schooling system.

2016 STEM Teacher Recruitment Fund Award Recipients

Conexus – $226,788*
Independent Colleges of Indiana – $2,140,353*
Indiana Association of Career and Technical Education Districts – $237,556*
Nextech – $277,283
Purdue Research Foundation (three grants awarded) – $1,109,947*
Teach for America – $2,154,539*
TNTP – $1,034,036
University of Notre Dame – $370,972
University of Southern Indiana Foundation (two grants awarded) – $763,437*
Woodrow Wilson Foundation – $1,294,801*

* Program received STEM Teacher Recruitment Fund award in 2014.

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