Dyson Foundation offers $254,000 grant to steer teachers into high-needs districts

NEW PALTZ — A $254,000 grant from the Dyson Foundation will fund scholarships for State University of New York at New Paltz secondary education students who transfer from Dutchess, Orange and Ulster county community colleges.

The Dyson scholarship is designed specifically to help alleviate the teacher shortage in math and science within high-needs districts throughout the Mid-Hudson region. It requires that its recipients serve their student-teaching semester in these districts and also agree to teach for three years in high-needs districts and disciplines in the region.

The Dyson Foundation, based in Millbrook, Dutchess County, was established in 1957 by Charles H. and Margaret M. Dyson and has supported a variety of worthy organizations, innovative programs and compelling causes, many of which are located in, or benefit, Dutchess County.
The Foundation awards grants of up to $6,000 to each of six students per year for two years. After all coursework has been completed, the students receive a stipend of $2,000 for living expenses for the student-teaching semester.

The first scholarships under this grant will be awarded for students enrolling at New Paltz in fall 2007.

The goal of the three-year program is to have an impact on community development and education in the Hudson Valley by providing increased access to the baccalaureate degree in education, and to provide an incentive for newly graduated teachers to serve high-needs districts and students in high-needs disciplines. High-needs districts are defined by demographics such as low income populations, educationally disadvantaged students, resource-poor schools and teacher shortages or high turnover.

David Eaton, vice president for Enrollment Management, said the Dyson grant is a wonderful example of the Foundation’s continuing commitment to the vitality and future of the Mid-Hudson Region.

“The scholarships provide a real incentive for aspiring teachers from the area to pursue teaching careers in disciplines where shortages exist – principally mathematics and science at the middle and high school level – and puts their talents to work in school districts where the need is greatest,” said Eaton. “These teachers will positively influence the education of our region’s youth for years to come, which is a long-term benefit to all who work and reside in the Mid-Hudson Valley.”

This grant is the third collaboration between SUNY New Paltz and the Dyson Foundation. In 2002, The Dyson Foundation funded a similar scholarship for graduates of Dutchess Community College over a five-year period and in October 2000 they provided a grant to support a national conference on the First Amendment issue of reconciling the rights to free speech and freedom of religion.

More information on this grant opportunity is available by contacting the Transfer Admissions Office at New Paltz at (845) 257-3200.