ENCORPS STEM TEACHERS FELLOWSHIP

Explore teaching. Inspire the next generation of STEM

Wherever you are on your path to the classroom, EnCorps gives STEM professionals the support, classroom experience, and community to take the next step.

Free

to join the fellowship

2 hours a week

for 10 weeks in a classroom

100+

partner schools

THREE PATHWAYS, ONE FELLOWSHIP

Where are you in your journey?

Every Fellow starts in a different place. Click on the pathway that sounds most like you and hear from a Fellow who’s been there

EXPLORING

I want to explore a teaching career

You are curious about teaching but not sure where to start.

Meet Minh
VOLUNTEERING

I want to volunteer in a classroom

You love your STEM career and want to share it with students.

Meet Disha
CREDENTIAL PROGRAM

I’m in a credential program and want support

You’re enrolled in a credential program and want guidance along the way.

Meet Nelly
Minh Nguyen
Software engineer, 20+ years. Preparing to teach high school math.

EXPLORING A TEACHING CAREER

Minh spent more than 20 years in software engineering. At Google, he trained an intern who went on to found a startup after graduation, and that experience convinced him that helping young people grow is where he can make the biggest impact. EnCorps found him a volunteer guest teaching placement and referred him to a teaching credential program. He is now looking forward to teaching high school math and helping students prepare for the future.

“I was interested in teaching but found it difficult to get started, and I really appreciate that EnCorps has given me a head start to my teaching career.”

This pathway includes

1:1 support from your Program Manager, plus office hours where you can connect with Fellows across California.

Volunteer guest teaching 2 hours a week for 10 weeks alongside a host teacher, including a Takeover Day where you plan and facilitate a lesson

Information on credential program options, plus guidance on finding a program that is right for you if you decide to pursue teaching
Dr. Disha Sardana
Research data scientist, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Volunteers at Estancia High School.
VOLUNTEERING IN THE CLASSROOM

Disha is a research data scientist in the heliophysics division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, where she uses AI to make scientific datasets easier for researchers to find and use. She holds a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech, where she built augmented reality tools for exploring Earth observation and space weather data in 3D. Through EnCorps, she volunteered in a computer science classroom at Estancia High School, showing students what a STEM career looks like day to day.

“EnCorps gave me the chance to engage directly with students and practice my teaching philosophy. Watching students ask questions, learn in different styles, and think beyond the classroom instruction has been the most enjoyable part for me.”

This pathway includes
1:1 support from your Program Manager, plus office hours where you can connect with Fellows across California
Volunteer guest teaching 2 hours a week for 10 weeks, no credential required
Preparation and delivery of a brief 10 to 15 minute presentation on how your STEM career connects to what students are learning
Nelly Hope-Bell
Two decades in institutional finance. Now teaching middle school math.
SUPPORT THROUGH YOUR CREDENTIAL PROGRAM

Nelly spent more than two decades in institutional finance before moving into secondary math education. While completing her credential program, she worked with her EnCorps Program Manager for mentorship, feedback, and guidance, and she is now teaching middle school math.

“My Program Manager provided constant mentorship, actionable feedback, and true guidance every step of the way. She leveraged the entire EnCorps network to help me navigate what can often feel like a complex credentialing process.”

This pathway includes

1:1 support from your Program Manager as you move through your program, plus office hours where you can connect with Fellows across California

Classroom experience that may count toward your credential program’s field experience or observation hours

Support as you prepare for your teaching job search

HOW IT WORKS

From application to your first classroom

01

Apply

Submit your application. We interview for mission alignment and welcome new Fellows to join our next cohort.

02

Make a plan

Your Program Manager builds an individualized plan based on your experience, interests, and goals.

03

Train and guest teach

Complete guest teacher training, then spend 2 hours a week for 10 weeks in a partner classroom.

04

Choose what’s next

Pursue a credential, keep volunteering, or take what you learned back to your STEM career.

JOIN JULY TO DECEMBER

Training: early January
Guest teaching begins: January or early February

JOIN JANUARY TO JUNE

Training: August
Guest teaching begins: September

WHAT EVERY FELLOW RECEIVES

Support at every step

Work with students

You are paired with a seasoned STEM teacher and work directly with students. Fellows exploring teaching complete a Takeover Day, planning and facilitating a lesson with their host teacher’s support. Fellows who are volunteering prepare and deliver a brief 10 to 15 minute presentation on how their STEM career connects to what students are learning.

Learn and connect

Onboarding, training, and professional development modules in Google Classroom, plus office hours focused on where you are in your Fellowship and where you may need extra support. Office hours are also a chance to meet other Fellows across California.

Guidance through the credential process

Your Program Manager helps you understand credential options, including Single Subject and CTE, and can point you to state grant and loan forgiveness programs. EnCorps does not provide or fund credential programs.

Costs and stipends

The Fellowship is free. Fellows receive a $150 travel stipend after completing guest teaching and $100 toward fingerprinting fees. Credential program tuition and fees are the Fellow’s responsibility. Your Program Manager can help you learn about state programs like the Golden State Teacher Grant.

WHERE WE WORK

Across California

EnCorps in California

Greater San Francisco Bay Area, Greater Sacramento Area, Greater Los Angeles Area and North Orange County, Greater Riverside Area, and Greater San Diego Area

ELIGIBILITY

You may be a fit if you

  • Have STEM industry or education experience to share with students

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher with a GPA of 2.50 or above*

  • Do not already hold a California math or science teaching credential

  • Live in one of the California regions we serve
  • Are eligible to work in the United States

*If your degree is not in a STEM subject, you will need to pass the CSET. See the FAQ.

READY TO EXPLORE

Three ways to take the next step

Watch an Info Session

Learn how Fellows explore teaching middle and high school STEM in California.

Schedule an Info Call

Have questions? Schedule a call with our team to learn more about becoming an EnCorps Fellow.

Apply Today

Review the eligibility requirements and join our next Fall or Spring cohort.