The demand for highly trained CSU teacher education candidates specializing in mathematics and science has never been greater. As the largest teacher preparation program in the state and among the largest in the nation, the CSU produces more than 6,000 teachers annually. That's nearly half of California's newest cohort of highly-trained teachers. On average, 1,000 CSU-trained teachers begin their careers in high-demand STEM fields each year.
A new $600,000 grant from Microsoft will be used to increase the number of scholarships available to mathematics and science teacher education candidates.
According to CSU's Assistant Vice Chancellor of Educator Preparation and Public School Programs Marquita Grenot-Scheyer, Ph.D., the scholarships could not have come at a better time. “Microsoft's generous gift will enable us to provide an additional $5,000 to support the academic endeavors of 120 aspiring teacher candidates. The added financial support ensures candidates are able to focus on sharpening their teaching skills and expanding their knowledge of high-impact teaching techniques during their student teaching period by reducing the number of hours they need to work outside of their classrooms."
This isn't the first time CSU and Microsoft have teamed up. Most recently during the 2020-21 academic year, Microsoft funded two grants totaling $930,000 to support teacher education candidates specializing in mathematics, science and computer science, as well as to expand the design of computer science courses and mathematics training curriculum for teachers.
A student who was awarded a 2020-21 scholarship shared her appreciation and impact of the scholarship:
"I am truly blessed to have financial assistance through the CSU Microsoft Scholarship to support me as I work toward my goals," said Chelsea McFadyen, who recently completed her secondary teaching credential in biology at Cal State Long Beach. "I lost both my college student aide and substitute teaching jobs as schools shut down during the pandemic, and, as I am currently student teaching, I am not 'working.' This award has provided financial relief to me and will enable me to better focus on my student teaching experience."
Each of the CSU's 22 campuses with secondary mathematics and science credential programs will receive scholarship funding. Awardees must commit to teach in high-needs schools for two years following completion of their credential program. Scholarship-seekers should contact their respective campus College of Education dean's office to apply.
To learn more about how CSU campuses prepare California's new teachers, visit our Teacher and Educator Preparation website.