The Mathematics and Science Teachers Scholarship Program was established as a pilot initiative by the Massachusetts Legislature for the purpose of providing financial assistance for coursework leading to the initial educator license in a Mathematics or Science field for teachers who are currently employed in Massachusetts public schools and teaching Mathematics or Science courses under either a preliminary license, waiver, or are teaching outside of their licensed field. This scholarship serves to address the Mathematics and Science teacher shortage and is also designed to help reduce financial barriers that teachers often face when pursuing degree programs or required courses of study.

To be eligible for the Mathematics and Science Teachers Scholarship Program, an applicant must:

• be employed, full or part-time, as an educator in a Massachusetts public school or school that provides publicly-funded special education and
• be currently teaching Mathematics or Science (including Technology or Engineering) under a preliminary license, waiver, or outside their licensed area; and meet the following criteria:
1. be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts
2. be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
3. be enrolled in up to three higher education courses per academic semester in fulfillment of degree or program requirements in a state-approved educator preparation program for the initial license in the Mathematics or Science field and level of interest
4. sign an agreement to continue teaching Mathematics or Science (including Technology/Engineering) full time in a Massachusetts public school for a term of service after completion of courses or program (no longer teaching out-of-field) or repay funds as defined by the scholarship terms and conditions
5. be eligible under Title IV Regulations and not in default of a state or federal education loan or grant
6. annually file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Priority consideration will be given to applicants meeting the above criteria who are teaching full or part time in a high-need district. A high-need district is a district that has been identified for corrective action in which there are one or more schools identified for corrective action or restructuring or districts in which the percentage of low-income students is 40 percent or greater.

Preference will be given to applicants who are identified by superintendents or principals as highly talented educators, who have demonstrated a commitment to education and to instructional excellence.

For the purpose of this scholarship program, an eligible institution is defined as a public or private college or university in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that has an approved educator preparation program for the initial license in the Mathematics or Science field and level of interest.

The value of the scholarship for this program will vary, depending on the institution, and may be awarded to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and related expenses for up to three courses per academic semester, based on availability of funds.

Teachers in high-need districts are eligible to receive 100% of these costs and teachers employed in non-high-need districts are eligible to receive partial funding, 75% of these costs.

Teachers interested in receiving this scholarship must complete the following:

• Read the MSTS Fact Sheet
• Download and complete the Math and Science Scholarship Applications below:
• Math and Science application  (PDF: 96K)
• Follow all DESE licensure requirements.
• Provide proof of your employment as teaching on a preliminary license, on a waiver from DESE, or as an "out of field" teacher
• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).