FHSU University Communications
Nine College of Education students were recognized for their commitment to teaching science or math in a rural setting during a Noyce Scholars signing event on April 16.
The Noyce Certified Rural Enhanced STEM Teachers (CREST) scholarship provides $15,000 scholarships (renewable for a second year) for students who have obtained at least a junior-level status. In addition, a post-baccalaureate STEM teacher licensure project, implemented in 2023, provides a $24,788 stipend toward completing coursework leading to a full teaching license. The post-baccalaureate pathway was created for individuals with a current degree who seek a career in teaching math and science.
2025 CREST Scholars include: Dustin Rajewski, Victoria; Jazmin Contreras, Hartford, Conn.; Jaylei Sloan, Hoxie; Ellie Van Zelfden, Whitewater. Post-baccalaureate award winners include: Rylee Brake, Garden Plains; Jacob Dunlop, Jewell; Gabriell Hammer, Wallace; Ryan Lawson, Hays; and Maxwell Pein, Manhattan.
The first National Science Foundation grant FHSU received for furthering STEM education in rural Kansas was in 2012. More than 75 scholarships have been awarded since its inception, enabling rural schools to hire quality teachers.
“We value rural,” said Dr. Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education. “We believe that is the foundation of what makes us great. Not just the university, but a large part of the country.”
Students who enroll in the Noyce program, in addition to the monetary award, will participate in Noyce Program activities, complete an FHSU rural teaching certificate, and agree to complete two years of teaching in a high-needs district for each year a scholarship is accepted.
During the signing event, Adams told Noyce recipients that the education they will receive at FHSU will prepare them well as they continue their career path.
“We are investing in you; the federal government, where this money flows from, is investing in you, and the National Science Foundation is investing in our choice. You’re all going to be change-makers,” he said. “We believe in you, and that’s why we’re giving you this scholarship.”