From NSTA Express, Week of October 31, 2011:

Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship program. The goal of the Einstein Fellowship program is to provide an opportunity for teachers to inform national policy and improve communication between the K–12 STEM education community and national leaders. If selected, Einstein fellows spend a school year in Washington, DC, sharing their expertise as a fellow in one of several government agency offices, such as the Department of Energy, NASA, the National Science Foundation, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or in the office of a member of Congress.

Selection is based on exemplary experience in K–12 STEM teaching; demonstrated leadership in the community; an understanding of national, state, and local education policy; and communication and interpersonal skills. The Triangle Coalition administers the program under the direction of the Department of Energy. The application deadline is January 5, 2012. To learn more about the program and to apply, visit www.einsteinfellows.org or e-mail einsteinfellows@triangle-coalition.org.

Part of the Nobel Prize money won by President Obama in 2009 will help Hispanic students pursuing studies in STEM subjects.  The Hispanic Scholarship Fund received $125,000 of President Obama’s prize money — the entire $1.4 million of which he donated to 10 different charities.

According to Hispanic Scholarship Fund CEO Frank Alvarez, his organization would like to see at least one college degree in every Hispanic household. The scholarships afforded by President Obama’s donation is a step in that direction.  “As soon as there’s a degree in the household, things like applying to college, financial aid, etc. become known because students have an embedded mentor,” he said.  This year’s 12 winners (another 12 will be selected next year) include college students currently majoring in chemical engineering, secondary education, atmospheric science, information technology, among others.  Award winners showed an interest in becoming STEM teachers.