The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), addresses the critical demand for effective K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators in high-need school districts. This program supports institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit research institutions, and affiliated partners in recruiting, preparing, and retaining undergraduate STEM majors, professionals, and experienced teachers for impactful careers in K-12 education. It is structured into four primary tracks—Scholarships and Stipends, Teaching Fellowships, Master Teaching Fellowships, and Research—and offers additional Capacity Building opportunities and conference support.

The program's purpose is to develop a pipeline of skilled STEM educators by offering targeted financial support and professional development opportunities. It aims to attract high-achieving individuals to the teaching profession who might not have otherwise considered it, and to prepare them for careers in high-need Local Education Agencies (LEAs). Additionally, it provides a pathway for exemplary teachers to become instructional leaders within their schools, thereby fostering broader systemic improvements in STEM education.

Funding is divided across the tracks: Track 1 offers up to $1.2 million over 5 years for scholarships and stipends; Tracks 2 and 3 offer up to $3 million over 6 years for teaching and master teaching fellowships respectively; Track 4 supports research efforts with awards up to $1 million over 5 years; and Capacity Building awards are up to $100,000 for one year. Collaboration incentives are also available, providing up to $250,000 for certain Track 1 projects and $50,000 for Capacity Building efforts involving two-year or minority-serving institutions.

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based IHEs (including community colleges), consortia of such institutions, and U.S. nonprofits that offer teacher education or residency programs. For Track 4, eligible applicants also include professional societies engaged in educational research. Applicants must include specific faculty compositions depending on the track, such as STEM and education faculty for Tracks 1-3, or STEM education researchers for Track 4. Special attention is given to diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment and program design, and institutions must demonstrate compliance with teaching service requirements or arrange for repayment if recipients fail to meet obligations.

Applicants must submit full proposals through Research.gov or Grants.gov, following guidelines from the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Letters of Intent are not required. Proposals are reviewed on intellectual merit and broader impacts. Key components include academic and leadership preparation plans, recruitment strategies, induction and mentoring support, and evaluation frameworks. Letters of collaboration and budget documentation are mandatory components.

Evaluation considers the effectiveness of the proposed recruitment, education, and retention strategies. Applications are due annually on the last Tuesday in August, with funding decisions based on proposal quality and available resources. Around 60 to 77 awards are anticipated annually, with about $68 million in funding available.

For inquiries, applicants may contact the program via email at noyce-prog@nsf.gov or by phone at 703-292-8670. This funding opportunity is a recurring grant and plays a vital role in fostering an equitable, high-quality STEM education workforce across the United States.