STEM Initiatives

In April 2009, the statewide Committee to Increase South Carolina's Math and Science Teaching Force was established to increase the pipeline of math and science teachers within the state. Over a dozen college deans, math and science coordinators are part of the committee. As a result of the initiative, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina have joined the Science and Mathematics Teacher Imperative in a national effort to identify and address key constraints which impede the formation of effective science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teacher preparation programs. In addition, Newberry College was awarded a NOYCE Grant to assist with their Recruit and Engage Math and Science Teachers (RE-MAST) project. The five-year, $900,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is designed to encourage STEM majors and professionals to become middle and high school mathematics and science teachers.