New Scholarship Available for Teacher Candidates

A new scholarship program available at Texas A&M International University will help students committed to becoming mathematics or science teachers.

The "Teaching Scholars" program is provided by the Texas Collaborative for Excellence in Teacher Preparation (TexCETP) with funding from a National Science Foundation Award.

Dr. Juan Lira, program contact at A&M International, said the program is intended to help encourage greater participation by under-represented groups in mathematics or science teacher preparation programs.

"This program will initially support two students to complete their undergraduate studies in math or science. Our hope is that increasing the numbers of under-represented groups in these areas will help the State's teaching population better reflect the diversity of Texas' population," Dr. Lira said.

Criteria for selection for the program include that the student have a minimum of 24 hours of college credit completed with a GPA of 2.75, be a U.S. citizen, a Texas resident or Texas high school graduate, demonstrate financial need, provide recommendation letters and provide a commitment to teaching at least two years in Texas schools.

Students selected will receive scholarships for up to six full semesters and three summer terms. Awards could range as high as $5,760 per year.

An application packet is available at the University's Financial Aid Office, located in Dr. F. M. Canseco Hall, room 302. Deadline to apply is Jan. 16, 2002.

A&M International is one of 10 TexCETP campuses selected to participate in the "Teaching SCHOLARS" Program and one of only 3 Hispanic-serving universities participating. Statewide, the program will support 15-30 Scholars per year.

For additional information, contact Dr. Lira at 326.2535 or by email at jlira@tamiu.edu. Interested individuals can also contact Laura Elizondo or Araceli Rangel in the University's Financial Aid Office at 326-2225.

For a additional information on the TexCETP and the "Teaching Scholars" Program, visit http://www.sci.tamucc.edu/txcetp.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu