HESC Announces the Opening of the NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program

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New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Announces the Opening of the NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program Application for the 2024-25 Academic Year

Scholarship Incentive Program Offers Financial Support to Aspiring Teachers to Address the Growing Demand for Qualified Math and Science Educators.

Albany, NY – June 21, 2024 – The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) announces the opening of the NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program application for the 2024-25 academic year. This program offers scholarships to cover the cost of tuition for full-time undergraduate or graduate students who commit to pursuing careers as math and science teachers in secondary education (grades 7-12).

The NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program aims to address the critical need for qualified math and science teachers in New York State. By offering financial support to aspiring educators, the program ensures that New York State will retain its most talented teachers and give students access to high-quality education in these essential subjects.

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, "The NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program plays a crucial role in our mission to enhance the educational foundation for New York students. By investing in the next generation of math and science educators, we're not only fostering the professional growth of our teachers but also ensuring that our students benefit from the most talented and dedicated teachers."

New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, "Investing in our educators, especially in the critical areas of math and science, is essential for equipping students with the skills they need to succeed. Our teachers play a pivotal role in ensuring that all students receive high-quality learning opportunities, which prepares them for the challenges of college and the modern workforce. By supporting and empowering our educators, we lay the groundwork for a future where every student can excel. I am grateful to the Higher Education Services Corporation for their collaboration in this initiative and unwavering dedication to strengthening the teacher pipeline in our state."

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY is New York State’s largest teacher preparation provider, and we are proud to work alongside our partners to address critical teacher shortages. The NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program is a tremendous opportunity to support SUNY students on the path to becoming skilled educators in our public school classrooms.”

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said: “The Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program is an excellent opportunity for talented education students at CUNY to fast-track their careers and help fill a critical need in New York. We commend HESC for its efforts to support CUNY’s preparation of New York’s future educators, and I urge CUNY students who are interested in teaching math or science to apply for this valuable full-tuition scholarship opportunity.” 

Eligible students who are enrolled in an approved undergraduate or graduate program can apply for the scholarship. Students who do not meet the program citizenship and residency requirements can apply through the New York State Dream Act. Recipients of the scholarship must agree to teach math or science in a secondary education setting in New York State for a minimum of five years upon graduation within two years of completion of the degree program and receipt of initial certification. 

The Application is open through August 5, 2024.

Applicants for the NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program can visit the program's webpage to learn more about the program.

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HESC is New York State’s student financial aid agency and a national leader in providing need-based grant and scholarship award money to college-going students. At HESC’s core are more than two dozen grant, scholarship, and loan forgiveness programs, including the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Excelsior Scholarship. HESC puts college within the reach of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers each year through programs like these and through the guidance it provides to students, families, and counselors. HESC helps more than 300,000 students achieve their college dreams each year by providing more than $800M in grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness benefits.