Barton Community College students Tyler Reif of Hoisington and Lili Shubert of Wakeeny were awarded the Noyce Teacher Leader Program Scholarship from Fort Hays State University to study STEM education for the fall semester.

According to promotional materials from FHSU, the Noyce Teacher Leader Program is more than just a scholarship as it helps prepare students to become an outstanding science or mathematics teacher serving in a high-needs district. Eight individuals were selected for a $14,591 scholarship each. They will receive specialized coursework focused on topics such as distance learning technologies, leadership, and issues facing high-needs schools.

In addition to preparation for teaching, additional resources are provided to support travel to conferences and extended support over the first three years of teaching to transition from student to a teacher.

While attending Barton, Shubert and Reif were student mentors in Barton’s STEM Buddies after-school program at Ellinwood Grade school. Additionally, Shubert was a member of the women’s basketball team. Reif was president of the Barton STEM Club and is a member of the Kansas National Education Association, which gives pre-service educators the opportunity to earn micro-credentials, extend their leadership skills, compete for scholarships, and qualify for liability insurance and discounts on travel and shopping.