The federal National Science Foundation has awarded a $1.2 million grant to Berry College to train teachers in science, technology, engineering and math, the college announced last week.

It’s the largest federal grant in the college’s history, Berry officials said.

Most of the grant money will go toward scholarships for students who enter the program in their junior and senior years to teach in high-need rural and urban schools. Students who choose to major in STEM fields for secondary education, will receive $12,000 for their junior year and $15,000 for their senior year. Students will be chosen and begin the program in August.

The grant money will also strengthen the college’s STEM education program, officials said.

Many education leaders and experts have said there's a nationwide void for teachers in STEM subjects. Some Atlanta-area school districts have recruited teachers for other countries in recent years for these subjects.

Last year, Berry created a pilot program to recruit mathematics majors into teaching by providing outreach and early awareness, apprenticeships with master teachers, mentoring and early field experiences.

Berry College is about 75 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com