National Science Foundation grants $1.2 million to UFTeach

Some UF students can breathe a little easier now that the National Science Foundation has granted the College of Education $1.2 million.

Students in UFTeach, a program that recruits science and mathematics majors to pursue careers as teachers, will benefit from the funds. The grant will prepare students to work in Florida’s middle and high schools by offering hands-on training and scholarships.

Tom Dana, associate dean of academic affairs in science education, said the grant is the biggest the UFTeach program has seen since it started in 2008 and that it allows students to minor in education so that they may teach math or science.

“We never had scholarships this large available before, so we are really pleased that the National Science Foundation thinks the program is worth while,” Dana said. “We hope we can attract more students to the program now.”

Over the next five years, each of the 50 students in the UF Teach program will receive a $10,000 Noyce Scholarship and internship opportunities.

Dana said the scholarship will allows students to focus on internships and not worry about finances.

“Being a math or science teacher is a great way of improving the conditions for the lives of kids in schools around our state,” Dana said.

Casey Christ wrote this story online.