Lander University is expanding its efforts to inspire the next generation of educators through the support of a $10,000 grant from the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement for South Carolina (CERRA-SC).
The funding to Lander’s College of Education will launch an innovative program designed to introduce middle school students to future pathways in education and STEM fields.
The proposal, titled “Bridging Boys to Men: STEM and Mentorship Camp for Middle School Success,” was selected through CERRA-SC’s Teacher Recruitment Grant after a competitive review process. Grant reviewers noted the program’s strong alignment with the grant’s mission to strengthen educator recruitment pipelines, particularly by reaching underrepresented groups and fostering early interest in teaching through mentorship and hands-on learning experiences.
“This grant allows us to connect with young students at a critical stage in their development and help them see themselves as future leaders, mentors and educators,” said Dr. Rachel Schiera, a Lander associate professor of education and coordinator of the University’s Call Me MISTER program, which supports college students from backgrounds underrepresented in the teaching profession.
“By combining exploration in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics with meaningful mentorship, we are building confidence and planting the seeds for a more diverse and prepared workforce of educators,” said Schiera, the grant’s director.
Dr. Stephen Bismarck, dean of Lander’s College of Education, said the grant recognizes the strength of the University’s programs to build meaningful partnerships that inspire young people to pursue teaching careers.
“Our College of Education has a long-standing commitment to serving our region and addressing critical workforce needs in education,” Bismarck said. “I applaud Dr. Schiera’s ongoing work in developing future leaders and educators. This grant allows us to expand our impact by engaging middle school students and investing in the future of our schools and communities.”