WKU News

BOWLING GREEN, KY (November 1, 2024) – Applications are now open for middle school science teachers nationwide to apply for a spot in the 2025 class of the National STEM Scholar Program, a unique professional development program providing advanced STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) training, national network building, and “big idea” project support for middle school teachers inspiring the next generation of STEM pioneers.

“Partnering with the National STEM Cell Foundation has made many opportunities available for middle school science teachers across the country.” Dr. Julia Roberts commented. “Engaging middle school students in science is so very important for developing the workforce needed.”

Ten years ago, the National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University (WKU) partnered to create the National STEM Scholar Program. The program selects 10 teachers each year from a national pool of applicants based solely on their description of a “big idea” Challenge Project they would implement in their classrooms if funds were available. In addition to a week of advanced STEM training and project development on the campus of WKU, each class spends a day with a nationally or internationally recognized STEM speaker.

Led by Co-Directors Dr. Julia Roberts and Dr. Rico Tyler, the program was established as a workforce development solution for an alarming shortage of U.S. STEM-educated graduates. Research shows that middle school students who get excited about science are the ones who will pursue STEM courses in high school and beyond. By focusing on the particularly influential middle school science teacher, it introduces STEM careers to students who may never have been exposed to the possibilities. Funded projects have included robotics labs, 3-D printing labs, rocketry programs, aquaponic farms, trout hatcheries and oyster reef restoration, among many others. 

There are currently 90 STEM Scholars representing middle schools in 35 states, from Hawaii to New York and Alaska to Florida. Each successful Scholar applicant receives the following:

• Advanced STEM education and leadership training on the campus of WKU May 25 – May 31, 2025. All expenses – travel, lodging, meals – are included
• A notebook/tablet (Chromebook or similar) to facilitate ongoing collaboration
• A generous stipend for technology and supplies to implement a classroom Challenge Project
• Sponsored attendance at the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) National Conference

Applications are open now – click here to apply.  

About the National Stem Cell Foundation

The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) funds adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research, underwrites the National STEM Scholar Program for middle school science teachers nationwide inspiring the next generation of STEM pioneers, and covers copays and deductibles for children participating in clinical trials for rare diseases when those out-of-pocket costs are beyond a family’s means. We build partnerships and collaborations in research, education, and advocacy to solve problems, eliminate silos and maximize donor impact. For more information, visit www.nationalstemcellfoundation.org.

About The Center for Gifted Studies
Located on the Western Kentucky University campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky, The Center for Gifted Studies has been serving children who are gifted and talented, their educators, and their parents for over 40 years. The Center provides exciting educational opportunities for gifted young people, rigorous professional development for teachers, and support for parents of gifted young people. Under the direction of Dr. Julia Roberts, The Center has become one of the preeminent advocates for gifted education in the United States.

About The Gatton Academy
Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Gatton Academy has been named to Jay Mathews’ list of top-performing schools with elite students for eleven consecutive appearances and received the National Consortium for Secondary STEM School’s Innovation Partnership Award.

Contact:

National STEM Scholar Program

Julia Roberts

Co-Director

270-745-6323

julia.roberts@wku.edu