Austin Robbins, a senior at Montana State University-Bozeman, from Columbia Falls, was one of 50 students from across the country to recently win a $5,000 STEM Teachers Scholarship.

The scholarship is given to students planning to teach science, math, technology or engineering. He received the scholarship from the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Education Foundation.

This is the second year in a row that Robbins received the scholarship. He’s majoring in general science broadfield and minoring in math. Robbins also will receive $1,000 each year for his first three years of teaching to use in his classroom.

Robbins originally came to MSU to major in chemical engineering, but he later switched to education. He has served as an undergraduate math tutor, worked in several local math and science classrooms, and served as a judge for the Science Olympiad.

“My decision to pursue teaching has been confirmed through these experiences, as I always leave them energized from helping people learn to apply math and science,” Robbins said. “They have also made me aware of the major impact teachers can have in the lives of students and future professionals.”

Lynn Kelting-Gibson, MSU assistant professor of classroom assessment, recommended Robbins for the scholarship, noting that he takes time to work with the local school districts to gain experience.

“I can see Austin providing his students truly integrated learning experiences,” Kelting-Gibson said.