The University of Texas at Dallas’ UTeach Dallas program has received a three-year, $500,000 grant from Communities Foundation of Texas’ W.W. Caruth, Jr. Fund to support the program’s efforts to recruit and retain science and math majors for careers in teaching. The Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) grant specifically addresses the urgent need in North Texas for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers for underrepresented, high-needs schools. “The University has invested heavily in the success of UTeach Dallas, yet so much of what we do goes beyond teaching courses to prepare new teachers,” said Dr. Mary Urquhart, UTeach Dallas director and associate professor and head of science/mathematics education. “Of the nearly 200 UTeach Dallas graduates teaching as of this past fall, about 85% are working in Dallas, Collin, Denton and Tarrant counties, right here in North Texas,” Urquhart said. UTeach Dallas has produced 291 graduates since the program began in 2008, and more than 85% of graduates who pursued teaching remain in the profession after five years.