North Arkansas College has been awarded a $747,759 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant focused on increasing the number of low-income students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.
Northark President Dr. Rick Massengale says the funds from the grant will generate life-changing experiences for students, using their talent to make a substantial impact on our future.
The grant spans five years and will fund scholarships to at least 28 students pursuing degrees in Cybersecurity; Data Science; Information Technologies; or Science, Engineering, and Math. Scholarships can be renewed for a second year for students who continue to qualify. Each S-STEM scholar will be placed in a cohort of students in the same or a related field of study and will share a pair of faculty and staff mentors, along with having access to a broader Mentoring Network. The project also provides career development activities and targets students who may otherwise have to prioritize basic needs over education. By alleviating financial and other obstacles, these students will have the opportunity for a rewarding career and social mobility and will contribute to a more diverse STEM workforce.
Dr. Laura Berry says they are thrilled with the opportunity to provide support to students who are academically talented, but low-income, to succeed in high-need STEM areas. The grant will allow the college to provide scholarships, as well as other evidence-based curriculum, access to a Mentoring Network, and ongoing career development activities.
The grant team is composed of Valerie Martin, department chair of Math, Science and Agriculture, Rick Williams, Information Technology instructor and Rose Sims, director of TRIO/SSS program and was led by Dr. Berry, interim dean of Health Professions and director of institutional partnerships and special initiatives.
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