CSU Receives Grants to Increase Scholarships for Math, Science Teacher Candidates in California’s High-Needs Schools

This press release was originally published on the California State University website.

​​​The California State University announced today that it has been awarded two new grants totaling $930,000 from Microsoft. Funding will be utilized to increase the number of scholarships available to 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 current teachers.

The CSU Microsoft Scholarship Program was established for CSU credential students.  The $5,000 scholarship is designed to serve candidates in CSU single-subject mathematics or science teacher preparation programs and is available to those committed to teaching in a high-need school for at least two years.  The scholarship recognizes candidates who demonstrate a financial need and have attributes of merit, including excellent academic performance, significant personal achievements and community service.

Applicants must:

  • Be currently enrolled in a CSU single-subject mathematics or science teacher credentialing program during the academic year 2020-2021 (fall and/or spring terms).
  • Demonstrate financial need, as determined by the campus financial aid office.
  • Be in good academic standing.
  • Agree to at least two years of teaching in a high-need school after finishing the program.
  • Complete an application, which includes the following:
    • Application form (with signed commitment);
    • Personal statement (explaining the need for the scholarship and motivation for wanting to teach mathematics or science in a high-need school – two-page maximum);
    • Unofficial transcript(s);
    • Letter of endorsement from a faculty member indicating why the applicant is
      deserving of the scholarship.

Applications are available through the CSU colleges/schools of education. Candidates will submit completed applications to paula.oakes@sjsu.edu by June 15, 2020.  The program will review the applications to ensure that they meet all requirements (including amount of financial need verified through the campus’ financial aid office) and then have a committee determine which applicants to nominate.  Each program will then forward selected applicants’ completed packets, with amount of unmet financial need, to the Chancellor’s Office no later than July 17, 2020.

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