Many of you are familiar with the current Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce crisis facing the United States. In an effort to better prepare the next generation of America’s teachers, AFCEA International and the AFCEA Educational Foundation are excited to announce the launch of the AFCEA Education Scholarships for Teaching STEM.

Beginning in 2010, AFCEA International will grant the AFCEA Educational Foundation an annual award of $200,000 to enable the Foundation to award 35 scholarships of $5,000 each per year. Students eligible to compete for AFCEA STEM must be U.S. citizens attending an accredited college or university in the U.S. and majoring in Education for the purpose of teaching a STEM subject in a U.S. middle or secondary school. Additionally, nominees must be enrolled full time and hold a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

In addition to the Scholarship, each graduating AFCEA STEM Scholar will receive a $1,000 AFCEA Science Teaching Tool (STT) grant each year for three years, provided they remain teaching a STEM subject. Science Teaching Tool grants are intended to augment the needs of the STEM teacher and enrich the learning experience of his/her students. Past STT grants have been used to fund hardware and software, purchase classroom tools, and enhance extracurricular STEM focused clubs and activities.

Here’s how you can help us help recruit STEM teachers:

• Spread the word! Forward the attached press release to local students to encourage them to apply for scholarships
• Contact your local chapter of the National Science Teachers Association (see attached list) and/or National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
• Contact the education departments of your local colleges and universities to post the attached press release or flyer in their office or distribute electronically to students
• Talk with your local scholarship providers, corporate sponsors and table buyers about becoming an AFCEA STEM Teacher donor
• Once the scholarship winners are announced, work with us to present the scholarships and science teaching tools awards

Applicants can access the AFCEA STEM Teacher application form at http://www.afcea.org/education/scholarships/undergraduate/TeachersScholarship.asp.

If you have any questions on the STEM program, please contact Norma Corrales at scholarship@afcea.org or (703) 631-6149.

The Fort Belvoir Elementary School is in the process of applying for a STEM grant(http://k12s.phast.umass.edu/stem/) and will is seeking mentors to assist the students. If you are interested in mentoring, please contact Reginald Vaughn, vpeducation@belvoir.afceachapter.org.