NSF Awards $2.5 Million for Minorities in Sciences Program
The National Science Foundation has awarded Virginia State University a five-year, $2.5 million grant in support of a program to increase the number of minorities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The University, through the School of Engineering, Science and Technology will use the funds to increase the number of graduates in these fields from an average of 70 to more than 105 per year by the end of the grant. The Trojan Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) program will implement new programs that provide access to science and technology and opportunities that will remove existing barriers for competing and participating in all science areas.
The project will be carried out in four phases over the course of the grant. Phase One attract, prepare and give interested high school students an opportunity to explore, learn and experience several STEM disciplines. The next phase aims to improve student skills and retention through course and curriculum enhancement, along with new teaching technology.
Phase Three will provide students and faculty opportunities to enhance knowledge and research skills through specially designed learning activities. Finally, Phase Four will ensure a smooth transition
Strategies for ensuring the program’s success include learning with technology, not about technology; emphasizing content and pedagogy, not just hardware; giving attention to professional development in the technology context; and promoting interdisciplinary scientific research.
According to VSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. W. Eric Thomas, the implementation of this program “will have a significant, positive impact on VSU’s strategies for improvement of the quality of science and mathematics education and will enhance the institutional capability to move toward (SACS) Level 6 institution status.”
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