A method of programming a memory cell with a substrate that includes a first region and a second region with a channel therebetween and a gate above the channel, and a charge trapping region that contains a first amount of charge. The method includes applying a constant first voltage across the gate, applying a second constant voltage across the first region and applying a third voltage that is constant and negative to the substrate so that the effect of spillover electrons is substantially reduced when compared with when the third constant voltage is absent.