Massasoit STEM Students on Teaching Path Now Eligible For $20,000 Stipend
March 28, 2022 – Brockton – Students at Massasoit Community College who are completing an associate degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) are now eligible for the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s MassTeach program. MassTeach Scholars receive a $20,000 stipend for their junior and senior years of college if they complete a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, get their Massachusetts teaching license, and then agree to teach at least four years at a high school in the state. Massasoit students can complete their associate degree and then transfer to one of six partnering state universities, including Bridgewater State University.
“While the life sciences and healthcare industries attract many of the state’s STEM graduates, there is a huge need for STEM educators from elementary education through the high school level,” said Michael Bankson, PhD, STEM project coordinator and adjunct professor of biology at Massasoit. “The reality is that not every student wants to work in a lab, and teaching is really a calling for many individuals who want to make a difference in someone’s life every single day.”
Massasoit students who are studying to complete the following associate degrees at the college would be eligible for MassTeach: Math Transfer; Chemistry Transfer; Biology Transfer; Liberal Arts – Science Transfer; Computer Science Transfer; and the Engineering Transfers (Chemical, Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical).
“While students are studying at Massasoit, they can take advantage of all we have to offer, including our STEM Research Internship, scholarly journal club, workshops, scholarships, and mentorships. Then, after transferring, the MassTeach path is an incredible opportunity for our students to apply all that they have learned and their hand-on experience,” said Bankson.
In addition to Bridgewater State University, students could transfer to the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Westfield State University, Worcester State University, Fitchburg State University, or UMass Amherst to complete their bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.
More information regarding specific requirements, application instructions, and frequently asked questions can be found at mass.edu/strategic/massteach.asp. Prospective and current Massasoit students can also reach out to Michael Bankson at massasoitstem@massasoit.edu with any questions. Students are encouraged to apply during the spring semester, before they plan to transfer, and those who are selected to be MassTeach Scholars will receive advising, testing and tutoring support, and be part of the larger MassTeach community.
MassTeach is designed to recruit more teachers of color into K-12 classrooms by partnering with community colleges and is funded through the National Science Foundation’s Robert F. Noyce Scholarship program.