UNC Asheville Receives $20,000 from Progress Energy;
Scholarship Funds Will Support Training for Future Math and Science
Teachers
One great university plus one generous energy
provider equals a winning solution for students in Western North
Carolina. Progress Energy recently donated $20,000 in scholarship funds
to
UNC Asheville’s Education Department earmarked for students who will
teach K-12 math or science in Western North Carolina.
The funding helps meet the rising national need for
highly qualified science and math teachers. In his recent State of the
Union Address, President Bush called for an increased attention to these
subjects. “We need to encourage children to take more math and science
and make sure those courses are rigorous enough to compete with other
nations,” the president said.
In North Carolina alone, some 10,000 new teachers
are needed each year. A 2003 report by the National Education
Association indicates that the growing North Carolina school systems are
especially pressed to fill math and science teacher positions.
“Education contributes more to the vitality and
prosperity of a community than most any other venture,” said Robert
Sipes, Regional Vice President for Progress Energy. “We are proud that
Progress Energy is a long-time supporter of math and science education
at UNC Asheville and we are pleased to continue making this investment
in Western North Carolina's future.”
Such investments in science and math education help
ensure that the region will remain economically competitive. “The
Progress Energy Teaching Scholarship benefits UNC Asheville students who
are training to become highly qualified, engaged teachers. Soon they
will inspire K-12 students to excel in math and science and perhaps
pursue careers in those fields,” said Mark Sidelnick, UNC Asheville
Education Department chairman.
Progress Energy, a long-time friend of the
University, has provided a range of funding for students for 23 years.
In 2004-05, Progress Energy Teaching Scholarships were awarded to 13
future teachers. This year’s scholarship winners will be selected and
notified by the UNC Asheville Education Department later this month.
Media Contacts:
- Alex Comfort, UNC Asheville Associate Vice Chancellor for
Development, 828/251-6807
- Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director,
828/251-6526
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