AMPLIFi STEM

About AMPLIFi STEM

The AMPLIFi STEM program is a five-year professional development initiative designed for mathematics and science teachers in grades 6-9 who teach in *high-needs school districts. Through a structured program that includes summer institutes, mentorship, and leadership development, participants gain expertise in inquiry-based pedagogy and STEM education strategies. Supported by Rice University faculty and staff, teachers receive ongoing coaching, professional development, and financial support to enhance their instructional impact and become leaders in STEM education.

The program’s first three years focus on leadership training, instructional coaching, and immersive summer institutes at Rice University, culminating in STEM enrichment camps for underserved students. In the final two years, participants transition to designing and delivering professional development at their own campuses while continuing mentorship and support. Teachers receive a $15,100+ annual stipend, a Mentor Certification from Rice’s Glasscock School, and access to a network of STEM educators.

Summer 2025 AMPLIFi STEM Program*

Informational Zoom Session

• First session - Monday, April 7th @ 6:00pm
• Second session - Tuesday, April 22nd @ 6:00pm

Zoom link - Join Zoom Meeting

• https://bit.ly/AMPLIFISTEMINFO
  • Meeting ID: 985 4632 9738
  • Passcode: 703926

Apply here

The deadline is May 5, 2025. All forms are due by this date.

*This program is contingent on funding from the National Science Foundation.

Dates and Times

• Summer Institute
  • June 9th - June 27th
• Academic Year 2025-2026
  • two Saturday check-ins
  • twelve one-on-one coaching sessions

Application

In addition to the online application, applicants are required to submit a signed Participant Agreement Letter (PAL). If you are unable to upload these documents to your application, you can email them to stem@rice.edu.

Apply here

Space is very limited and subject to funding availability, therefore, completing the application process does NOT guarantee placement in the program.

Please make sure these dates work for you!

Due to funding restrictions, all applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or permanent resident to apply.

High Needs as defined by the National Science Foundation:

The term "high-need local educational agency (or high-need LEA)", as defined in section 201 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1021), means a U.S. local educational agency (e.g., school district) that has at least one school that:

• meets at least one of the following criteria:
• not less than 20% of the children served by the agency are from low income families;
• serves at least 10,000 children from low-income families;
• is eligible for funding under the Small, Rural School Achievement Program under 20 U.S.C. 7345(b); or
• is eligible for funding under the Rural and Low-Income School Program under 20 U.S.C. 7351(b);

And meets at least one of the following criteria:

• has a high percentage of teachers not teaching in the academic subject areas or grade levels in which the teachers were trained to teach; or
• has a high teacher turnover rate or a high percentage of teachers with emergency, provisional, or temporary certification or licensure.

*This program is contingent on funding from the National Science Foundation.

Benefits & Expectations

Benefits of AMPLIFi STEM:

• $15,100+ annual stipend over five years, totaling over $75,000
• Mentor Certification from Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies
• Free Rice University credit hours for professional development
• Hands-on leadership training and instructional coaching
• Professional development in inquiry-based and inclusive pedagogy
• One-on-one mentoring and coaching from Rice University faculty and staff
• Opportunities to design and implement STEM enrichment camps for underserved students
• Access to a professional learning community of STEM educators
• Field experiences and networking opportunities with STEM professionals

Expectations of Participants:

• Commit to a five-year program, including summer institutes and academic-year mentoring
• Attend a three-week Summer Institute each June at Rice University
• Engage in leadership development and inquiry-based pedagogy training
• Mentor novice teachers through structured coaching and support sessions
• Participate in six one-on-one mentoring sessions with Glasscock staff annually
• Allow six school visits per year for observation and instructional refinement
• Develop and implement STEM enrichment camps for 6th-9th grade students
• Design and deliver professional development workshops in years 4 and 5
• Maintain a teaching position in a *high-needs school district throughout program participation

Program Flyer

To view and download the AMPLIFi STEM program flyer click here.

AMPLIFi STEM Administration

If you have any questions about AMPLIFi STEM, you can contact the Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM).

Roger Ramirez
Associate Director for Mathematics and Engineering Education
713-348-8218 | rr44@rice.edu

Jessica Robicheaux
Assistant Director for Educational Leadership and STEM Initiatives
713-348-6274 | jr102@rice.edu

^{*Program times, dates, locations, and compensation subject to change before the first day of the program.
**Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident to apply.}