Warner, Kaine announce $1.2 million to help JMU recruit STEM teachers

U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced that James Madison University (JMU) will receive $1,199,748 in federal funding to recruit Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students to become secondary and middle school teachers in Harrisonburg City Public Schools.

“We are pleased that this federal funding will allow James Madison University and community colleges in the region to partner with local schools to enhance STEM education,” said the Senators. “These efforts will help meet the educational needs of the local community while giving folks an opportunity to secure an in-demand, high-paying job in any of these advanced fields.”

The funds, awarded by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Robert Noyce Scholarship Program, will help expand recruiting efforts across all STEM fields and help JMU education graduates become outstanding STEM educators. As a result of the project, JMU, in partnership with Blue Ridge Community College and Piedmont Virginia Community College, hopes to prepare and place 32 Noyce Scholars, over the five years of the award, in Harrisonburg City Public Schools.