In summer 1967, Notre Dame of Marbel College, now a University, started to conduct summer institutes in Science and Mathematics for elementary and secondary teachers in Mindanao.

It was co-sponsored by Ford Foundation and the National Science Development Board (NSDB).

This was recognized by the government in 1968 and NDMU became a prototype Regional Science Teaching Center (RSTC) together with five other schools.

The RSTCs were later expanded to the 12 regions of the country. There are not 15 RSTCs.

From 1968 to 1989, the RSTC-NDMU served the school divisions in Regions 10, 11 and 12.

With the creation of additional RSTCs, the present service area of RSTC-NDMU include Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani Province, General Santos City, Maguindanao (ARMM), Kidapawan City and Cotabato City in certain programs

Current programs of the RSTC are mostly funded by the Science Education Institute (SEI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) with the support of the Notre Dame of Marbel University Administration and other Non-government organizations.

Teacher and Student Training Programs are closely coordinated with the Department of Education (DepEd).