Rural Enhancement of Mathematics And Science Teachers
Scholarship application deadline is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15!
Over a five-year period, the Rural Enhancement of Mathematics And Science Teachers (REMAST) Scholarship Program at South ֱ State University will award up to eight $15,000 scholarships per year to students pursuing 7 – 12 certification in the areas of biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics.
The REMAST program will increase the people becoming math and science teachers and retain these teachers through the following means:
- Pre-service mentoring with SDSU faculty.
- In-service mentoring with REMAST alumni, SDSU faculty and veteran teachers.
- A support system, focused on building a REMAST community.
Support for the REMAST program is provided by the National Science Foundation's Robert Noyce Scholarship Program under ֱ No. 1950255. It is anticipated that funding for this program will end in Spring 2025. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
How to Apply for the Scholarship
- Complete the .
- Complete the online .
- Several students have expressed concern about their parents' taxes not being completed before the 5 p.m. on Feb. 18. Students can complete their FAFSA without having the tax information completed. There is a spot on the FAFSA where you will have to link it to the IRS. This allows for the final check to be completed.
- Complete the SDSU Scholarship application found at .
- Submit an unofficial transcript to Sharon Vestal.
- Have at least two confidential references, including one from a faculty member in your content area and one from a character reference such as a former employer, high school teacher or pastor. These references must complete the .
The top applicants will be selected to be interviewed by members of the REMAST scholarship committee.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a U.S. Citizen, national or permanent resident alien.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
- Complete the SDSU general scholarship application.
- Complete the online REMAST Scholarship application.
- Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits) at SDSU.
- Be at least a junior (60 credits) and be able to complete the major with secondary certification within two years;
- Have completed EDFN 101 by the beginning of the semester in which s/he will receive the scholarship.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and a content GPA of at least 2.7.
- Be enrolled in coursework that will lead to a degree with secondary certification in biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics.
Service Requirements
- Requirement that the student complete one year of mathematics or science teaching in a high need school district (preferably in South ֱ) for every semester of the scholarship. This service requirement must be done within six years of graduation. A high need district is one that satisfies the conditions stated in the NSF Robert Noyce Scholarship Program Solicitation (NSF 17-541). For more information on this requirement, go to the REMAST FAQS page.
- Agreement to repay SDSU the full amount of the scholarship if he/she fails to complete the service requirement or fails to complete the degree program.
- Agreement to complete all documentation required by the REMAST program and participate in the evaluation plan;
- Participation in all REMAST program requirements, including: actively participating in a student organization; meeting regularly with his/her faculty mentor; attending required events; and completing all components of the evaluation plan.
- Maintenance of satisfactory progress towards a degree in biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics with secondary certification. Satisfactory progress includes but is not limited to maintaining minimum cumulative GPA, satisfactory completion of required courses and continued enrollment in appropriate courses.
How does this scholarship affect my other financial aid?
If you are receiving other SDSU scholarships (such as the Jackrabbit Guarantee or departmental scholarships), this scholarship money may replace those scholarships. This scholarship award will reduce or cancel your eligibility for federal student loans, the SMART grant, and the TEACH grant. However, it does NOT replace a Federal Pell grant, a ֱ Corps scholarship, or the SD Opportunity scholarship. If you have more questions on how this would affect your financial aid, please contact the SDSU Financial Aid Office.
Can the REMAST scholarship be used while studying abroad?
The REMAST scholarship has requirements, such as mandatory meetings, being involved in a student organization, and meeting with a faculty mentor. Since all these requirements take place at SDSU, it is essential that the recipients are on-campus.
Do I have to teach in South ֱ?
We would love it if you would teach in South ֱ, but it is not a requirement that you stay in South ֱ. However, you do have to teach in a "high-need" district and you will have to provide documentation that the district is "high-need" to Dr. Vestal. You will have to have your school district superintendent complete a form and send the form to Vestal.
What is the service requirement?
For each semester you receive the scholarship, you are required to teach for one year in a "high-need" school district.
Can I get a deferment for the service requirement?
The service requirement must be completed within 6 years of graduation. This should allow enough time to get a Master's degree in a two-year program. If you decide that you don’t want to teach or you teach in a district that is not “high-need,” then it becomes a loan with 5% which must be paid back within eight years of your graduation date. If extenuating circumstances arise and the service requirement cannot be completed within eight years, these situations will be handled on an individual basis
Can international students apply?
The National Science Foundation requires that recipients be U.S. citizens, Nationals or Permanent Resident Aliens.
What is the definition of a "high-need" school district?
The term high-need local educational agency as defined in section 201 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1021) means a local educational agency (for example, a school district) that serves an elementary or secondary school located in an area which is characterized by at least one of the following:
- A high percentage of individuals from families with incomes below the poverty line.
- A high percentage of secondary school teachers not teaching in the content area in which they were trained to teach.
- A high teacher turnover rate.
