The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure the national defense.
The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program addresses the critical need for recruiting, preparing, and retaining highly effective elementary and secondary mathematics and science teachers and teacher leaders in high-need Local Education Agencies (LEAs). The program supports talented STEM undergraduate majors and professionals to become K-12 STEM teachers and enables exemplary teachers to become leaders within high-need districts. Noyce promotes the participation of diverse talent in STEM and supports research on K-12 STEM teacher effectiveness and retention in high-need districts. It offers four program tracks: Scholarships and Stipends, NSF Teaching Fellowships, Master Teaching Fellowships, and a Research Track, alongside Capacity Building proposals and conference proposals aimed at improving STEM teacher preparation.