Dr. Jeff Sekavec, Colby Community College Biology Instructor and STEM Division Chair, recently co-presented at the 2024 Midwest Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program conference alongside Fort Hays State University education department faculty and students in St. Louis, Mo. FHSU Collaborators included Dr. Janet Stramel, Endowed Chair, Dr. Paul Adams, Dean of the College of Education, and several other co-authors.

Their presentation, "Strengthening the STEM Teacher Pipeline: Insights from Rural Kansas Partnerships," showcased the impactful work and lessons learned from the five-year Noyce program, which concluded recently. The presentation highlighted strategies to address the growing demand for STEM educators in rural areas through innovative partnerships and targeted support.

The conference, centered around the theme "Fostering STEM Futures: Resiliency and Assessment Practices," brought together educators, researchers, and policymakers to share insights and strategies for advancing STEM education.

Dr. Sekavec also noted the launch of a new initiative, the CREST (Certified Rural Enhanced STEM Teacher) program, supported by funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Fort Hays State received the grant, with a subaward provided to Colby Community College. Building on the success of the Noyce initiative, CREST aims to enhance the rural STEM teacher pipeline through partnerships with FHSU and other Kansas community colleges. The first student committed to the program in November, with a signing ceremony planned for the spring.

For more information about the Noyce Scholars Program, contact Dr. Sekavec at (785) 460-5422 or jeff.sekavec@colbycc.edu.