In an effort to increase the number of qualified math and science teachers in New York, the state's Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has reopened the application period for teaching initiative scholarships.
The scholarships were introduced in 2006 as part of a program designed to boost the number of math and science teachers in New York. The application deadline for the 2006-2007 year has been extended through October 1 to attract more applicants to the program.
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be attending a New York college or university and majoring in a field leading to a degree as a secondary school math or science teacher. Students must also have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
Students who are awarded the scholarship are required to sign a service contract promising to teach math or science at a New York secondary school for at least five years.
The maximum award for the 2006-2007 academic year is $4,350 – the average SUNY tuition, though the scholarship is available to students at both public and private schools.
The Business Council applauded the start of the scholarships in 2006, but has urged lawmakers and other policy makers to increase the amount of the scholarships and broaden the scope of the program to include teaching at the middle school level.
For more information on the program call HESC at 1-888-
697-4372, or visit www.hesc.com/content.nsf/SFC/NYS_Math_and_Science_Teaching_Incentive_Scholarships.