Robert Noyce SMART Scholar Program
Application Information
The CWU Robert Noyce SMART (Science and Mathematics Alliance for the Retention of Teachers)
Scholar Program seeks to encourage talented science and mathematics majors to become K-12
science and mathematics teachers, especially those from underrepresented groups. One- or twoyear SMART scholarships, $16,000 and $35,000 respectively, are available to CWU junior and
senior mathematics and science majors enrolled full-time and seeking endorsement in biology,
chemistry, earth science, middle level mathematics and science, mathematics, physics, or
science. One-year SMART scholarships are available to professionals with a baccalaureate degree
in science or mathematics who are in the year prior to completing their certification
requirements for endorsement in biology, chemistry, earth science, middle level mathematics
and science, mathematics, physics, or science.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria:
 Declared major in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, General Science, Mathematics,
Middle Level Mathematics and Science, or Physics
 Completed at least 90 quarter credits at the time the scholarship is awarded
 Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in major and overall
 U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
Scholarship recipients must agree to:
 Teach in a high-need school for two years for every year of scholarship received. Failure
to complete this requirement will result in the scholarship reverting to a loan with
repayments pro-rated to reflect any partial teaching service.
 Register for and participate in academic year seminars (1 credit per quarter)
 Attend a three-day Noyce SMART Summer Institute
 Participate in a one-year teaching internship in a high-need school
 Participate in research and teaching experiences (could include credit option)
On-going Scholarship Requirements
 Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA overall and in major
 Full participation and successful completion of each of the required components listed
above.
 Receive a positive recommendation from the mentor team regarding internship
performance.
Rev: 12-5-2015
Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education
400 East University Way . Ellensburg WA 98926-7540 . Office: 509-963-2135
EEO/AA/TITLE IX INSTITUTION • TDD 509-963-2143
Application Instructions:
1) Apply to CWU and the CWU Teacher Preparation Program.
2) Submit FAFSA to Financial Aid Office
3) Complete the Noyce SMART Scholar Program Application Form.
4) Arrange for three confidential Noyce SMART Scholar Recommendation Forms to be
forwarded to the Noyce SMART Scholar Program Selection Committee by three college
professors (or two college professors and one K-12 teacher) who can speak to your
academic merit and disposition toward teaching in high-need schools.
5) Type an essay (up to 750 words maximum) that addresses the following:
 Why you want to teach science or mathematics at the middle or high school level;
 Your personal and professional qualifications;
 Your commitment to working in a high-need school; and
 How a Noyce SMART scholarship would contribute to your professional
development.
As the National Science Foundation and Central Washington University would like to
provide SMART scholarships to a diverse group of students, you may also address any
socioeconomic difficulties, disability, or other challenges you currently face or have
overcome.
6) Obtain unofficial undergraduate and any graduate transcripts from your current
institution and any past institutions you have attended (official transcripts will be required
prior to receiving the scholarship).
7) Complete the Academic Plan Template for one- or two-years, depending on whether you
are applying for a one or a two year scholarship. Your plan should demonstrate program
completion by the end of your scholarship term. Please work with a CWU Science
Education or Mathematics Education advisor to complete this task.
8) Mail the application materials listed in Steps 3-7 to:
CWU Noyce SMART Scholar Program Selection Committee
Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education
Attn: Martha J. Kurtz
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7519
OR
Application materials may be hand delivered to the Noyce Program Coordinator, Dean
Hall, Room 130. Please have letters of reference mailed or delivered confidentially.
Applicants will be interviewed by members of the selection committee as part of the selection
process.
For questions or more information, please contact:
Dr. Martha J. Kurtz, kurtzm@cwu.edu, (509)963-2622, Dean Hall, Room 130
OR
Visit the Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education (CESME) website:
www.cwu.edu/cesme