Noyce Program at WCU
Want to explore teaching high school mathematics?
Want money for college?
Become a Smoky Mountain Noyce Apprentice or Scholar!
In fall 2024, a group of Mathematics and Education faculty members received a Noyce Grant from the National Science Foundation. This grant will provide scholarship money and strategic support to encourage students to become high school math teachers. This opens exciting doors for math students and the future of math education in our region!
The Smoky Mountain Noyce program supports those interested in teaching math in high school in two ways:
Apprentices: first- or second-year students at Western Carolina University or NC Community Colleges. We provide $2000 stipends and help students decide if teaching high school math is right for them.
Scholars: after their apprenticeship, students can apply to become Scholars. Our Noyce Scholarship will pay up to $18,025 per year.
Both Apprentices and Scholars receive enhanced advising and mentorship.
Who can be a Smoky Mountain Noyce Apprentice?
First or second year students at WCU or NC Community Colleges are eligible to apprentice.
What do Smoky Mountain Noyce Apprentices receive?
Apprentices will earn a $2,000 stipend and receive specialized advising and mentoring from their Noyce Coach. Apprentices at community colleges will plan courses to make their transition to WCU easy and efficient.
What do Smoky Mountain Noyce Apprentices do?
Apprentices will work 100 hours per year with area Educational Enrichment Programs (EEPs). These EEPs will provide opportunities for career discernment and valuable early field expereience. Examples of EEPs are math tutoring at local high schools or middle schools and after-school enrichment programs. Apprentices will receive tutor training through WCU.
How do I become a Smoky Mountain Noyce Scholar?
Apprentices entering their junior and senior years at WCU (either as transfer students or as currently enrolled WCU students) are eligible to apply to be Noyce Scholars. Scholars will receive up to $18,026 per year (up to the cost of higher ed attendance, which could render the cost of attending WCU paid). For every year of Scholar support received, Scholars agree to teach for two years in a high-need LEA (the individual school does not need to be high need, only the LEA).
Breakdown of Participation by Year
Apprentices train as math tutors through WCU and work 100 hours in EEPs. They earn a $2,000 stipend. They also participate in Math Teachers' Circle activities.
Apprentices again work 100 hours in EEPs and earn a $2,000 stipend. They continue to participate in Math Teachers' Circle activities as well as cohort building activities. Apprentices also receive enhanced advising.
Apprentices become Noyce Scholars and receive up to the full cost of attendance at WCU.
Ready to Apply?
Apprentice application
Scholar application
Smoky Mountain Noyce Scholars Program (SMNS) is funded by National Science Foundation’s The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program (Grant Title: Smoky Mountain Noyce Scholars Program: Recruiting, Preparing, and Retaining Secondary Mathematics Teachers for High-Need Schools, Award Number 2343886).
