Six URI students earn teaching scholarships

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – Six students at the University of Rhode Island were awarded Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarships in May.
Funded by a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation, students studying education and math or science were eligible for the awards. Awarded last summer to the School of Education in the College of Human Science and Services, the grant is designed to inspire URI students to teach in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.
After they graduate, the grant recipients will teach elementary, middle and high school students in poor school districts in Rhode Island and other communities in the country. Working teachers also will receive regular professional support from URI education professors.
Four undergraduate award winners, all juniors, received $10,000 this year and will receive another $10,000 next year. They are: Janelle Haire of East Greenwich; Justin Ossa of Warwick; Ian Pilitizer of New Jersey; and Sarah Zawatsky of East Providence.
Two graduate students also won scholarships: Andrea Drzewianowski of South Kingstown and Rachel Naylor of West Warwick and Glocester. Each student received a $40,000 stipend and is pursuing a master’s degree in education with teacher certification. •