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Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces $1,199,998 Awarded to Alcorn State University

June 18, 2019

Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the National Science Foundation has awarded $1,199,998 to Alcorn State University to meet the demand of well-trained STEM teachers by preparing and supporting Scholars to become teachers at the elementary or secondary level in rural Southwest Mississippi in high-need school districts.

The project, entitled "Be Brave Teach STEM: Building a Diverse Teacher STEM Workforce in Mississippi," is under the direction of LaShundia Carson. Activities will include workshops and clinics, STEM Education service hours, pre-service teacher bootcamps, scholarships, mentoring and advising, and Scholar recognition. After graduating, the new teachers will participate in new teacher orientation sessions, a teacher renewal institute, professional conferences, and receive new teacher mini-grants. Strong partnerships and collaborative efforts include Hinds Community College - Utica Campus and six local school districts, Natchez-Adams, Claiborne County, Jefferson County, South Delta, Vicksburg-Warren, and Wilkinson County. The program supports talented STEM undergraduate majors and professionals to become effective K-12 mathematics and science teachers in high-need school districts and experienced and exemplary K-12 STEM teachers to become STEM master teachers. It also supports research on the persistence, retention, and effectiveness of K-12 teachers in high-need school districts.