Baby boomers watched in awe as John Glenn orbited the earth for the first time and many were inspired to seek teaching careers in math and science. Later, a generation brought up on Bill Nye the Science Guy stepped into roles as teachers.

As teachers retire or move into the corporate world, the vacated spaces need to be filled by new, qualified teachers; some school districts are starting the school year without dedicated, full-time teachers in these critical subjects.

New York State is responding to the call for more teachers with an incentive to encourage more students to pursue careers as secondary math and science teachers in grades seven through twelve.

If you are a student pursuing a career as a math or science teacher, you may qualify to take advantage of this scholarship opportunity to help you pay for college.

The New York State Math and Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship, inaugurated this year, grants eligible recipients an award for four academic years of undergraduate and one academic year of graduate full-time study in an approved program leading to permanent certification as a secondary education teacher in mathematics or science.

The award is being administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corp. (HESC), the state agency dedicated to helping people pay for college.

The maximum award is equal to the annual tuition charged to New York State residents attending an undergraduate program at the State University of New York (SUNY) or actual tuition, whichever is less. The maximum award for the 2006-07 academic year is $4,350. Payments will be made directly to schools on behalf of students upon successful completion of the academic year for which the student seeks the award.

Award winners will promise, in return, to teach math or science on a full-time basis at any secondary school located within New York State for five years.

Interested students meeting the eligibility criteria may apply for a scholarship for their full-time attendance during the 2006-07 academic year by completing the New York State Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program Supplement. The deadline for the 06-07 academic year award is extended to Oct. 1, 2007.

Eligibility details and the application supplement are available at the HESC.org, under the “Paying for College,” tab, or by contacting the HESC Scholarship Unit toll free at 1-888-697-4372.