June 9, 2016

Eight students selected for annual STEM fellowship program

Childres rural STEM From left, Amir Ahmadi, Cat Michie, Kyle Schulz, Caroline Gregerson, Michael Gruesbeck, Catherin Hayt and Stephanie Biery are students participating in this year’s STEM Goes Rural program. (Not pictured: Jonah Polley) (Photo/College of Education) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Eight students recently arrived on Purdue University campus as part of a College of Education program promoting STEM teaching in rural Indiana schools.

STEM Goes Rural works to staff rural schools with teachers who are trained in education and the principals of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). The intent is for participants to establish long-term careers.

“Indiana’s rural schools need excellent, qualified STEM teachers to engage and inspire our students,” said Maryann Santos, dean of the College of Education. “We are thrilled to welcome these talented STEM professionals to Purdue University and to prepare them as educators.”

STEM Goes Rural is part of the Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellows Program, which provides stipends of $30,000 to the students during their one-year master’s program. In addition, Purdue will provide the fellows with graduate tuition scholarships.

The Purdue fellows agree to teach in a rural Indiana school for three years. This year’s fellows are Amir Ahmadi, Stephanie Biery, Caroline Gregerson, Michael Gruesbeck, Catherin Hayt, Cat Michie, Jonah Polley and Kyle Schulz.

The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation chose Indiana for its first fellows program for high school teachers. Purdue’s first class of students arrived in 2009. Ball State University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Purdue University and the University of Indianapolis are partner campuses.

The fellowship has been funded with $15 million in grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. and a supplemental $3 million in state support.

Purdue alumna Melissa Colonis, math teacher at Jefferson High School and winner of the 2013 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, spoke to the fellows during a reception held at Purdue.

About the Purdue College of Education

Purdue’s College of Education meets the challenges of educating 21st century learners by discovering what works in education. The college prepares highly qualified educators and conducts research that informs how teachers teach and students learn. With a focus on integrated P-12 STEM education and a commitment to social justice and diversity, graduates are prepared to be leaders in education, business and society. 

Writer: Brian L. Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu 

Source: Kristyn Childres, 765-494-0568, kristyn@purdue.edu

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