UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA - WILMINGTON

WHAT IS STAR? An exciting new program that provides monies and support to UNCW students pursuing teacher licensure in Middle Grades or Secondary Mathematics or Science and agree to teach in a high need partnership school.

STAR Funding STAR is funded through a federal grant from the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Scholarship fund. UNCW was awarded the grant in 2009 for period of 5 years. The grant allows several scholarships to be awarded each year!

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF STAR? To recruit high quality Math and Science teachers who will assume positions in high needs schools; To increase the pool of math and science teachers from traditionally underrepresented populations; & To provide financial, professional and personal support to recipients throughout their preparation program and their first years of teaching.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT: STAR RECIPIENTS RECEIVE UP TO A $10,000 AWARD! HIGH QUALITY PREPARATION COURSEWORK AND AN INDIVIDUALIZED PLAN OF STUDY WITH ONGOING ADVISING AND ASSISTANCE UNIVERSITY/SCHOOL SYSTEM COLLABORATION TO ENSURE PLACEMENT IN APPROPRIATE TEACHING POSITIONS SUPPORT AND MENTORING THROUGHOUT FIRST YEARS OF TEACHING What are the benefits of being a STAR recipient?

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR STAR?

 Current UNCW Undergraduate Junior or Senior, Graduate Student or Licensure Only Candidate (apply spring semester before scholarship is awarded) ;  Pursuing a license to teach Math or Science at the Middle School or Secondary level;  Completion of all requirements for entrance into the Watson School of Education;  Passing scores on Praxis I (or equivalent)  On time completion of all required application materials (see STAR website);  No criminal record

H OW DO I APPLY FOR STAR? Visit the STAR website at for an application and instructions; A personal statement, resume and letter of recommendation are required with the completed application form. All materials are due by May 1 and scholarships are awarded before fall tuition is due.

HOW ARE STAR APPLICANTS SELECTED? All application materials are carefully reviewed by members of the STAR Team Committee (appointed UNCW Faculty and Administrators); Selected eligible students are invited to attend an interview/information session; The committee discusses and determines final selections; Awards are granted!

STAR Requirements All students receiving a STAR scholarship MUST sign an “Intent to Teach” document. Failure to comply with the listed obligations will result in the student having to pay back the full scholarship amount awarded. INTENT TO TEACH Consistent course attendance and participation Attendance at all advising sessions Completion of all courses required for licensure in Math or Science within three years Completion of all North Carolina licensure requirements, including Praxis I and II testing requirements Commitment to continuous development as an educator including collaborating with and being responsive to suggestions from instructors and mentors Commitment to teach Math or Science (Middle School or High School) in one of the designated partner North Carolina school systems for two years for each year the scholarship is awarded.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY SCHOOLS CLINTON CITY SCHOOLS COLUMBUS COUNTY SCHOOLS DUPLIN COUNTY SCHOOLS GREENE COUNTY SCHOOLS JONES COUNTY SCHOOLS ONLOW COUNTY SCHOOLS PENDER COUNTY SCHOOLS SAMPSON COUNTY SCHOOLS WHITEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICTS

FIRST YEARS TEACHER SUPPORT Upon graduation, STAR students will receive support with finding appropriate placement in teaching positions within the partnership schools. STAR teachers will receive continued support through- out their first years of teaching via mentoring by the school system and university, quality professional development programs, and accessible 24/7 web- based technology support via a Google Site.