University News

Front Row: The four NOYCE recipients, from left to right - Ellie Bussan, Jayden Icenogle, Carina Johnson, Cooper Shaw. Back row: students Drew Hauser, Maggie Blust, Dylan Russell, Paige Dykstra and Arnie Grunert.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU Noyce Project Welcomes Four New Scholars at Fall 2026 Signing Day Event

September 18, 2026

Share Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL - - The Western Illinois University Noyce Project proudly welcomed four new Noyce Scholars at a signing day celebration held this fall in Morgan Hall. The event concluded a professional development workshop for area math and science teachers, current Noyce Scholars, and the incoming cohort, highlighting their shared commitment to teaching STEM in high-needs districts.

"The Noyce Project at WIU is an NSF-funded project that provides scholarships for qualified undergraduates who plan to teach STEM in high-needs schools. We are in the middle of year 4 of this grant and we have awarded nearly $400,000 in scholarships to 16 Noyce scholars at this point," Robert Mann, WIU Mathematics and Philosophy professor, said. "Today we are providing robust professional development in STEM teaching for our scholars and also celebrating the addition of 4 new scholars to our WIU program. Congratulations to Cooper, Ellie, Jayden, and Carina on this prestigious award, and welcome to our Noyce family!"

This fall, four students joined the Noyce Project's scholarship program: Ellie Bussan, a Biology major from Dixon, IL; Cooper Shaw, a Chemistry major from Hamilton, IL; Jayden Icenogle, a Mathematics major from Blandinsville, IL; and Carina Johnson, a Biology major from Moline, IL. They join WIU's growing group of Noyce Scholars receiving scholarships that cover tuition, fees, housing, books, and other academic expenses. Scholars also participate in STEM-focused conferences, workshops, and specialized training designed to prepare them for teaching in high-needs districts.

Information about the Noyce Project and how to apply is available at wiu.edu/NOYCE.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing