National STEM Scholar Program

Geographic Scope: Nationwide (United States); currently 100+ STEM Scholars representing middle schools in 37 states

Focus Areas: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) professional development for middle school science teachers

Eligibility:

• Middle school science teachers nationwide
• Selection based solely on description of a "big idea" Challenge Project the applicant would implement in their classroom if funds were available
• Projects evaluated for maximum impact in middle school classrooms

Program Details:

• Selects 10 teachers per year from national pool of applicants
• Week-long advanced STEM training and project development on campus of Western Kentucky University (WKU)
• All expenses covered (travel, lodging, meals)
• Includes day with nationally or internationally recognized STEM speaker
• Year-long mentorship and support from WKU faculty
• Sponsored attendance at National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) National Conference (all expenses covered)
• Recipients receive a notebook/tablet (Chromebook or similar) to facilitate ongoing collaboration
• Recipients receive generous stipend for technology and supplies to implement classroom Challenge Project

Program History:

• Established in 2015 as partnership between National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at WKU
• Now in its 12th year of operations
• 100 STEM Scholars representing middle schools in 37 states
• 93% teach in public schools; 44% teach in mid- to high-poverty schools; 39% teach in communities with population under 15,000

Example Funded Projects:

• Robotics labs
• 3-D printing labs
• Rocketry programs
• Aquaponic farms
• Trout hatcheries
• Oyster reef restoration

Mission Alignment:
Program created as workforce development solution for shortage of U.S. STEM-educated graduates. Research shows middle school students who get excited about science pursue STEM courses in high school and beyond; ~50% of 8th graders in America currently lose interest in STEM subjects.

Contact Information:

• National Stem Cell Foundation
• 101 South Fifth Street, Suite 1605
• Louisville, KY 40202
• Phone: 502.379.8544
• Email: press@nationalstemcellfoundation.org
• Website: nationalstemcellfoundation.org

Application Process

Timeline for 2026 Class:

• Applications open: Early November 2025
• Deadline: February 1, 2026
• Program dates: May 24-30, 2026
• NSTA Conference attendance: Following spring (2027)

How to Apply:

1. Visit application portal (link provided on website)
2. Submit application with description of "big idea" Challenge Project
3. Answer merit-based questions in application
4. Selection based solely on quality of project description and application responses

Required Materials:

• Description of "big idea" Challenge Project
• Responses to application questions
• Applicant information and school details

Selection Criteria:

• Merit of project description
• Quality of application responses
• Potential for maximum classroom impact
• Note: Selection is nationwide and competitive

Timeline for Training (2026 Class):

• One week advanced STEM education and leadership training on WKU campus: May 24-30, 2026
• Ongoing year-long mentorship following training