Ten middle school teachers nationwide selected for prestigious program
Amy Hollar, a teacher from Liberty Park Middle School in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, is among ten middle school teachers from eight states selected to participate in the prestigious National STEM Scholar Program — a unique professional development initiative providing advanced STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) training, national network building, and project support for middle school science teachers nationwide.
Created through a partnership between the National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University (WKU), the National STEM Scholar Program selects ten teachers each year from a national pool of applicants based solely on the description of a “big idea” Challenge Project the applicant would implement in their classroom if funding were available.
Selected projects are chosen for maximum impact in middle school classrooms, where research shows lifelong STEM career decisions are often being made. STEM Scholars convene on WKU’s campus for a week of advanced STEM training and finalize their projects with input from fellow STEM Scholar colleagues.
“STEM matters to me because it gives my students the tools to think critically, solve real problems, and see themselves as creators, rather than consumers, of the world around them,” said Amy Hollar.
“As a middle school teacher, I see every day how hands-on, meaningful STEM experiences build students’ confidence and encourage perseverance and curiosity. Being part of this program allows me to grow alongside my students and bring back opportunities that make learning more relevant and engaging.”
The 2026 National STEM Scholar class will be hosted by The Gatton Academy from May 24 to May 30 on the campus of WKU in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
The 2026 class includes:
- Darrell Barnard (Chesapeake, Va.) — Jolliff Middle School
- Tonya Bates (Chesapeake, Va.) — Landstown Middle School (Virginia Beach, Va.)
- Dan Heath (Keene, N.H.) — Hillsboro-Deering Middle School (Hillsborough, N.H.)
- Amy Hollar (Trussville, Ala.) — Liberty Park Middle School (Vestavia Hills, Ala.)
- Milton Lima (Henderson, N.C.) — STEM Early High School
- Wendy Kate Mendiola (New Stuyahok, Alaska) — Chief Ivan Blunka School
- Michelle Morgan (Duluth, Ga.) — Hull Middle School
- Sam Peterson (Virginia Beach, Va.) — Old Donation School
- Andre Pineda (Whiteriver, Ariz.) — Canyon Day Junior High School
- Kate Tran (Berea, Ky.) — B. Michael Caudill Middle School (Richmond, Ky.)
Studies show that middle school students who become excited about science are more likely to pursue STEM courses in high school and major in them at the technical and college levels. At a pivotal time in decision-making that will open or close doors to opportunity, however, nearly 50% of eighth graders in America lose interest in pursuing STEM-related subjects increasingly required for 21st-century jobs.
Dr. Paula Grisanti, CEO of the National Stem Cell Foundation, said, “We added education to our mission and partnered with The Gatton Academy in 2015 to support the development of a new generation of scientists in academic research, advanced technology, and infrastructure engineering.”
“Supporting teachers who inspire and motivate middle school students at this critical decision-making age will directly impact how many choose to pursue the STEM skills essential for living-wage jobs. By investing in the influential middle school STEM teacher now, we reach thousands of students in classrooms today and far into the future.”
Dr. Julia Link Roberts, Executive Director of The Gatton Academy, added, “This partnership will accrue benefits for the National STEM Scholars, middle school students in their classrooms, and the middle school science teachers with whom they collaborate.”
“The National STEM Scholar Program is an excellent way for teachers to learn new strategies and new ways to engage students to help them become and stay interested in science and math.”
Now in its 11th year, there are 109 National STEM Scholars representing middle schools in 37 states. Of those scholars:
- 90% teach in public schools
- 40% teach in mid- to high-poverty schools
- 36% teach in communities with populations under 15,000
A unique requirement of the program is that STEM Scholars share lessons learned with colleagues in their home schools, districts, or states, magnifying the program’s impact across multiple classrooms and years.
By June 2027, National STEM Scholars will have directly and indirectly impacted more than 229,000 middle school students across the United States.
The National Stem Cell Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that funds adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research, supports the National STEM Scholar Program for middle school science teachers, and helps cover copays and deductibles for children participating in clinical trials for rare diseases when those costs exceed a family’s means.
Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. Students enroll as juniors and become full-time WKU students pursuing advanced studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The academy received the 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity Magazine and the Innovation Partnership Award from the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools.