Support UTeach Columbus
The need
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields have become increasingly
important to U.S. economic competitiveness and growth. However, our nation is not
producing a sufficient number of college graduates with the knowledge and skills needed
to meet the demand for qualified workers in STEM industries and occupations. One of
the keys to solving this problem is to have a strong K-12 education system, with well-trained
teachers. By increasing the number and quality of science and math teachers, our region
and our state will invest in the long-term educational needs of our future workforce
and in the economic futures of our children.
Meeting the need
In June 2011, Columbus State University was one of three universities in Georgia
to be awarded a federal grant worth up to $1.4 million to support the replication
of a nationally recognized mathematics and science teacher preparation program. The
UTeach program started at the University of Texas at Austin in 1997 and has been replicated
at universities across the country. UTeach has dramatically increased the number of
students graduating in secondary science or mathematics education through aggressive
recruitment, early and intensive teaching experiences, and ongoing support and mentorship
for students throughout the program and into their first years of teaching. Columbus
State University administrators, faculty, and staff are dedicated to providing the
resources and effort needed to successfully replicate the UTeach program so we may
see similar results for the Columbus region.
How you can help
Two federal grants worth a combined $2.6 million helped to get the UTeach Columbus
program up and running. However, additional support is needed to sustain the program
now that the grant funding has ended. You can help by giving to support student scholarships,
internships, updated technology and lab equipment, or other program needs. If you
are interested in offering your support for this program and its students, please
contact the CSU Development Office.
Click here to give online. To designate your gift for UTeach Columbus, use the drop-down list to select UTeach/STEM and enter the amount of your gift in the "Amount" box.
