Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Physics Teachers

Offered by American Association of Physics Teachers

Award
$3,000
Deadline
Dec 1, 2026
Grade Level
High School Senior, College Student
Essay
Required

About This Scholarship

The American Association of Physics Teachers offers the Barbara Lotze Scholarship to students preparing to become high school physics teachers — a field with chronic teacher shortages. Supported by an endowment funded by Barbara Lotze, the scholarship provides a stipend of up to $3,000 plus a complimentary one-year AAPT student membership, and it can be granted to the same individual for each of four years.

Eligibility extends to undergraduates enrolled (or planning to enroll) in physics teacher preparation curricula at accredited two-year or four-year colleges, and to high school seniors accepted into such programs. Applicants must be U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools, declare their intent to pursue a career teaching high school physics, and show promise of success in their studies.

Applications are accepted online at any time on a rolling basis. The AAPT Board of Directors considers candidates at each Winter Meeting, and all applications complete with recommendation letters by December 1 are reviewed for recommendation at that winter meeting — making December 1 the effective annual cutoff.

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools
  • Undergraduates enrolled or planning to enroll in physics teacher preparation curricula at an accredited two-year or four-year college, or high school seniors accepted for such enrollment
  • Must declare intent to prepare for and pursue a career teaching high school physics
  • Must show promise of success in their studies

How To Apply

  • Prepare your application declaring your intent to pursue high school physics teaching, and submit it online — applications are accepted at any time
  • Ensure all materials, including letters of recommendation, are received by December 1 to be considered at the winter AAPT Board of Directors meeting
  • Recipients may reapply — the scholarship can be granted to an individual for each of four years

Apply Now →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an AAPT member to apply for the Lotze Scholarship?

No. Membership is not an application requirement — in fact, successful applicants receive a complimentary one-year AAPT Student Membership along with the stipend.

Can I win the Lotze Scholarship more than once?

Yes. The scholarship may be granted to the same individual for each of four years, so recipients can reapply throughout their undergraduate program.

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Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Physics Teachers: $3,000 Scholarship | The College Investor