A new strategic partnership between Paul Quinn College and the Tom Joyner Foundation was officially announced on April 15, according to a news release.

The new partnership will aim to increase the number of elementary school teachers especially “those who have expertise in STEM areas” in the Dallas Independent School District. In a statement, Paul Quinn President Michael Sorrell said, “Paul Quinn College has always been deeply committed to the students and families of the city of Dallas.” He also added that, with this strategic partnership with the Tom Joyner Foundation, the city of “Dallas is taking yet another step towards ensuring that all of her children are college-ready by the end of their high school career.”

“As I’ve talked to administrators at school districts around the country, they have constantly complained about the need for more students to pursue a career in teaching, particularly those who have expertise in STEM areas,” said Thomas Joyner, Jr., the Foundation’s president and CEO. “This program is designed to get more students into teaching careers with partners who are eager to find and develop them.”

According to the school, the program will give eight semesters of full tuition and fees scholarships for undergraduate students studying to become elementary teachers in the future. Students must also have background in stem training, the school says. If this seems like a fit, you should apply for the scholarship at TomJoynerFoundation.org/tqi.

“We are also working with other entities to provide some awesome summer seminars designed to enhance their knowledge in a variety of STEM areas each summer,” said Joyner.