BAE SYSTEMS AND PSEG SUPPORT WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY PROGRAM TO IMPROVE MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION IN PATERSON AND PASSAIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS
--Program focuses on meeting need for highly qualified math and science teachers
BAE Systems and PSEG are lending support to a William Paterson University program designed to improve the teaching of math and science in urban schools, particularly the Paterson and Passaic school districts.
Through its Teachers for a Competitive Tomorrow: Mathematics and Science Teachers (MAST) program, which is funded by a five-year, $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the University is stepping up its recruitment of students interested in becoming math and science teachers. The goal of the grant is to increase the number of science and math majors seeking certification by 60 percent, or 40 students, over the five-year period. Students who participate will be strongly encouraged to commit to teaching in Paterson, Passaic, or another high-need school system for two years after graduation.
In conjunction with the program, BAE Systems has pledged funds for program support, including funding for research and field experience mentors, test preparation workshops, and support for program participants who work as high school tutors.
PSEG will provide funds to provide scholarship support for students who are entering the program, ensuring that they can afford to honor their commitment to teach following graduation.
“Math and science programs such as the MAST program are instrumental to the success of our youth and to technology companies like BAE Systems,” said Pete Howard, site executive for BAE Systems in Wayne, New Jersey. “We strive to do as much as we can to support math- and science-related curriculum in local institutions, and we thank William Paterson University for initiating such a great program.”
“Highly qualified math and science teachers are a critical need, and this program provides us with an opportunity to prepare teacher candidates in areas of shortage who will serve our local urban communities,” says Sandra Deller, vice president for institutional advancement. “We are thankful to BAE Systems and PSEG for their generous support of this important project.”
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October 28, 2009
www.wpunj.edu
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