Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

Become a Noyce Scholar

Preparing Leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education for High-Need School Districts

The competitive Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship is awarded to high-performing junior and senior students majoring in biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics at Lycoming College, who are simultaneously earning a secondary teacher certification. Funded by the National Science Foundation, Noyce Scholars are eligible to receive a two-year scholarship of up to $20,000 per year, and commit to teaching in a high-need school district, full-time for two years for each year that they receive the scholarship. The Noyce Scholar Program was established in response to the critical need for highly effective K-12 STEM teachers in high-need school districts.

Rather than graduating with an education degree, the Teacher Certification Program at Lycoming College employs a dual approach that enables graduates to enter the education market with either a biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics degree, as well as a teacher certification for grades 7-12.

Benefits

Noyce Scholars will benefit from programmatic elements including:

  • Williamsport Area School District (WASD) STEM teachers will serve as mentors for Noyce Scholars and as supervisors for the Scholars’ student teaching assignments.
  • WASD STEM teachers will contribute to the educational program of the Noyce Scholars in workshop and classroom settings on Lycoming's campus.
  • Scholars will be eligible to apply for summer research stipends.
  • Scholars work collaboratively with Lycoming and WASD faculty to create a high school-level environmental education curriculum for the Waterdale Center.
  • Lycoming alumni who are current STEM teachers and have experience educating students in high-need districts will serve as mentors to the Noyce Scholars.
  • Scholars will have opportunities to meet and interact with mentors on campus and to continue with their alumni mentor relationships after graduation.

Requirements

To qualify for a Noyce Scholarship, students must:

  • Commit to teach full-time in a high-need school as a STEM teacher for two years for each scholarship year. If not fulfilled, the scholarship will be converted to a loan.
  • Complete a science or mathematics degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Complete the teaching licensure program within two years of receiving the scholarship.
  • Meet the teaching commitment within eight years of graduation.
  • Participate in the Noyce Council and in mentoring activities.
  • Complete an exit interview with the Office of Financial Aid upon graduation, and sign an agreement to continue activities required by the program.
  • Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, or permanent resident alien.

Application Information

To be considered for the scholarship, eligible students should submit an application package that includes:

  • Brief cover letter
  • Completed application
  • Completed Applicant Confirmation (provided in the application)
  • Written essay (details provided in the application)
  • Two letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant academic background, leadership and potential to teach a STEM discipline in a high need school
  • College transcript
  • A printed or electronic copy of your Progress pages for both your major and education program(s) from Lyco Advisor

Completed applications must be submitted by March 25, 2024, to:

Dr. Rachel Hickoff-Cresko

Director of Teacher Education, Education Department

Lycoming College

One College Place

Campus Box 22

Williamsport, PA 17701-5192

Office: Academic Center D-208

hickoff@lycoming.edu

570.321.4223

Download the application

Download the recommendation form

Contact

For more information on the Lycoming College Noyce Scholar Program, please contact Rachel Hickoff-Cresko, assistant professor of education and chair of the department, at 800-345-3920 ext. 4223, hickoff@lycoming.edu.

This page is for informational purposes only. Official requirements are outlined in formal agreements signed by scholarship recipients.