The Normandale Community College Foundation has established the Normandale Academy of Mathematics and Science to support full-time students majoring in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines and students in the Normandale Teacher Education program who undertake studies aimed at becoming a K-12 math or science educator.  Students selected to participate in the program may receive a tuition scholarship of up to $3000 to help offset the cost of attending Normandale full time.

 

 

 

 

Who is eligible for the program?

 

Any student recently accepted to or enrolled at Normandale Community College can apply as long as they:

• Are committed to pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field or a teaching degree with a focus on math or science education;
• Have a high school or college GPA  of 3.0 or higher or have a GED;
• Are enrolled in or have completed Algebra II or its equivalent;
• Have two current letters of recommendation, one from  a teacher who is familiar with academic capabilities and another from a teacher/counselor/advisor or professional person who can attest to potential in chosen field of study;
• Are committed to program participation for approximately two academic years;

 

What are the participation requirements for scholarship recipients?

 

Students who are accepted into the Normandale Academy of Math and Science:

• Agree to attend Normandale Community College for approximately TWO consecutive years following acceptance into the program;
• Agree to pursue a degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field or a teaching degree with a focus on math or science education;
• Agree to maintain a competitive college GPA (3.0 or above is considered competitive in STEM-related fields);
• Agree to be enrolled full time (12 or more credits) at Normandale Community College each semester;
• Agree to attend all required Academy meetings;
• Agree to schedule and attend all individual meetings with their advisor;
• Agree to actively participate in all individual and cohort learning and development activities whether they be live or on-line;
• Agree to actively participate in self and program assessments.

  

What kind of student is sought for the Academy?

 

The Normandale Community College Academy of Math and Science is looking for students who have an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, particularly students who may need academic, social, developmental (in terms of student success) or modest financial support to succeed.  In trying to meet the overwhelming shortages of math and science educators we also seek students interested in becoming K-12 math or science teachers.  In doing so, we especially want to support populations historically underrepresented in STEM-related fields by targeting recruitment efforts on:

• Students of color
• Children of immigrant parents or students who are themselves immigrants
• Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
• Students whose parents did not attend college
• Women interested in STEM disciplines
• Students interested in becoming a K-12 math or science educator

 

What is the mission of the Academy?

 

The mission of the Academy is to:

• Leverage the strength of Normandale Community College in the areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and teacher education;
• Encourage students to explore STEM careers, including careers in medicine, pharmacy, biomedical sciences and careers as K-12 math and science educators;
• Provide student support for students with an interest in STEM fields and/or with an aptitude for math and science;
• Provide a total commitment to each student’s success; and
• Demonstrate tangible, measurable results.

 

What are the Program’s “Keys to Success”?

 

This scholarship program provides student participants with the following keys to success:

• A Scholarship of up to $3000 in tuition support for each cohort member, based on financial need, and other aid received, to offset the cost of attending Normandale full time.
• Academic and personal support, mentorship, tutoring, academic and student service coordination negotiated by an Advisor;
• A Student and Professional Success Skills Development Series (Curriculum) that includes modules on navigating higher education systems, time management, study skills development, test preparation, scholarly research and writing workshops, leadership development, career and personal development, financial management, college transfer preparation, scholarship and financial aid research workshops;
• A Cohort, or group of students for peer support.

 

Admittance into the Academy will be based on the cumulative results of the following criteria:

 

• High school (and/or college) GPA (verified by transcripts) or GED;
• Levels of completed high school math and/or science courses;
• Letters of recommendation from at least one teacher (professor) with whom you have studied and/or a counselor, advisor or professional person such as an employer;
• Indicated potential and commitment as well as sincerity to pursue a career in STEM demonstrated in student essay
• College level written expression and language usage; and
• Demonstrated commitment to Academy participant criteria

For more inforamtion contact:

Irma R. Salazar		Kimberly Klein
Program Coordinator/Student Advisor		Program Coordinator / Student Advisor
(952) 487-7122		(952) 487-7421
irma.salazar@normandale.edu		kimberly.klein@normandale.edu

 

 

EdTrAc is funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation Award No. DUE 0501851.