Berry College gets $1.2 million grant to train more STEM teachers

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.