The federal and state governments fund many programs to help students become scientists and science teachers.

NYSED High School Math and Science Teacher Scholarships:
• $4,500/year of tuition directly to NYS educational institutions
• Up to four years of undergraduate study or one year of graduate study leading to initial teacher certification
• Traditional and non-traditional candidates
• Forgiven if the recipient teaches high school math or science in NY state for at least 5 years
• Find out more here.

Noyce Fellowships:
• Scholarship support of up to $15,000 per year is available to undergraduates and post-baccalaureate students pursuing teaching certification, for up to two years per student.
• New K-12 math and science teachers leading to initial teacher certification.
• For switching majors or careers from regular STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering or Math) fields to STEM teaching
• Awarded directly to the recipient and forgiven if the recipient teaches STEM in a "high needs" K-12 school
• Find out more here.

US Federal Student Loan Forgiveness for certain K-12 school teachers:
• $17,500 or less of US federal (Perkins and Stafford) student loan forgiveness
• For loans leading to math, science or special education teacher certification
• Loans are forgiven in return for five years of STEM or special education teacher service in "High Needs" K-12 schools
• Traditional STEM education program candidates
• Find out more here.

Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KTSF) Fellowships:
• Up to $10,000 of annual tuition and living expenses during pursuit of teaching credentials
• Supports fellowship winner’s continuing education once in a teaching position
• For students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) field
• Forgiven if the recipient teaches high school math or science in NY state for at least 5 years
• Find out more here.

Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers:
• Up to $2,000. to an individual for each of four years
• AAPT Executive Board offers these two scholarships for future high school physics teachers
• Must be U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools.
• Find out more here.

US Department of Education TEACH grants:
• Up to $4,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate or two years of masters degree study leading to teaching qualifications. Recipients must spend four years teaching in a high needs school within eight years of completing the degree program.
• Find out more here.

Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowships:
• For those interested in teaching in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. $30,000 stipend to attend a Master's degree program at a participating institution, with additional support and mentoring through a three-year teaching commitment in a high-needs district.
• Find out more here.

Teach For America:
• For those interested in teaching immediately after obtaining their BS degree in Physics, before earning a Master of Arts in Teaching. Provides training and teaching placement in a high-needs district.
• Find out more here.