MSTI Scholar Award
The Math and Science Teacher Initiative's (MSTI) objective is to support talented Science and Mathematics majors who might not have considered the teaching profession. Each MSTI Scholar can receive up to $10,000 in awards ($2,500 per semester). MSTI Scholars will be selected based on academic achievement and demonstrated commitment and experiences related to STEM teaching. MSTI Scholar Awards are available to those seeking a single subject credential in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematics, Physics and Foundational Level General Science and Math. Awards will be allocated on a competitive basis.
Deadlines to receive funding:
Spring Semester 2025: October 18, 2024
Fall Semester 2025: May 4, 2025
MSTI Requirements
- Student must be majoring in Science or Mathematics
- Open to current Cal Poly undergraduate students
- Student must be a senior (must have 30 units or less remaining to complete bachelor's degree)
- Have an overall GPA of 3.0 with a preference given to those who have a GPA no lower than 3.0 in their major.
- Two references are required - a university professor who has been your instructor and a professional who has observed you working with youth.
- Open to credential students (Credential students could be Cal Poly students entering into the credential program or students from another university entering into the credential program.
- Be enrolled in, have applied to enroll in, or be completing the prerequisites for one of Cal Poly Pomona's single subject credential programs in Mathematics or Science.
- MSTI Scholar Awards are available to those seeking a single subject credential in Mathematics or Science (Life Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences, Physics or Foundational Level General Science)
- Have subject matter competency through prescribed coursework, passing the appropriate CSET exams, or a combination of coursework and CSET exams.
- Have an overall GPA of 3.0 with a preference given to those who have a GPA no lower than 3.0 in their major.
- Have an overall GPA of 3.3 in credential coursework.
- Two references are required - a university professor who has been your instructor and a professional who has observed you working with youth.
Undergraduate seniors and students enrolled in the credential program are eligible to receive up to $10,000 for a maximum of 4 semesters. Full-time students, enrolled in at least 12 units and part-time students are eligible for the following payments each semester:
- $2,500 per semester if enrolled in 9-12 units
- $1,850 if enrolled in 8 units
- $1,250 if enrolled in 6-7 units
MSTI Scholar Award Obligations
MSTI Scholars are required to obtain their teaching credential at Cal Poly Pomona, attend monthly seminars, meet with the single subject advisor, and teach in a public school district within California for every year of MSTI Scholar Award support. Undergraduate MSTI Scholars must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 with a preference given to those who have no lower than 3.0 in their major. Post baccalaureate MSTI Scholars must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 in credential coursework.
MSTI Scholar Award Benefits
MSTI Scholars can receive up to $2,500 per semester for a maximum of two years ($10,000 total). They will meet regularly with a single subject advisor to develop and update a personal education plan. Monthly seminars will be provided, giving the participants the opportunity to interact with professionals, mentors, and peers. The support for MSTI Scholars extends beyond the completion of the credential, continuing through the Scholar's first two years in a teaching position.