CSUCI’s School of Education Credential Candidates, Anna Clause, Monica Lopez, Jacqueline Kim, Max Silverstein, and Lisette Torres have each been awarded $5,000 from the CSU’s Microsoft Grant. These awards aim to support candidates in their academic endeavors during the 2020-2021 academic year. Credential Candidate Anna Clause shared what this award means to her, “Being awarded the Microsoft Scholarship has granted me relief from the financial anxiety that has been looming over me since I started the Credential Program, enabling me to focus solely on acquiring the skills and tools I need to become an effective future science teacher."
The Microsoft Grant will allow the CSU to increase the number of scholarships to teacher education candidates specializing in mathematics, science, and computer science. For Max Silverstein, teaching science has always been a significant aspiration of his. “My parents are both teachers and they instilled in me how rewarding a career in education can be. I’ve worked so hard up until now and receiving this CSU Microsoft scholarship would truly be a major evolution in my journey to become an educator. I’m very grateful and I‘m looking forward to a successful future ahead.” These awards enable CI’s aspiring teachers to focus on deepening their knowledge in these high-demand subject areas while potentially lessening the financial burden. Lisette Torres shared, “This award will help me secure funds to pay for my teacher credential program. Prior to this scholarship I was working two jobs, both part time, and going to school full time which was tough. This scholarship allowed me to keep one job and focus more on my career as an educator in science since my goal is to impact students’ lives and make a difference in my community." For Monica Lopez, her dream of becoming a math teacher is taking shape in part by this award, “Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to pursue that dream without any financial worries. I’m truly blessed and look forward to my career.” Congratulations to the awardees!
For more information about CI’s School of Education, visit: http://education.csuci.edu/.
For the CSU press release detailing the Microsoft grant, visit: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/news/Pages/CSU-awarded-grants-for-math-and-science-teacher-prep.aspx