Cornell receives grant to support STEM education for students with financial need

The National Science Foundation (NSF) just announced that  it has awarded Cornell College a grant for almost $650,000 to support students with financial need who are entering a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field of study.

The grant establishes the Cornell College “Mentoring Students to Success in STEM Fields” program, which will provide students a scholarship of up to $10,000 per year for up to four years. Highly-qualified and motivated students interested in natural science, computer science, engineering, and mathematics with financial need will be recruited for this program.

“This funding will provide access to Cornell’s excellent educational opportunities to those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it,” said Professor of Physics and Engineering Kara Beauchamp, who will coordinate the project. “The college will implement and study the effectiveness of several initiatives intended to improve retention of students in STEM fields, including housing scholarship recipients together on one residence hall floor in their first year.”

Students will also get paired with an alumni mentor, take part in career planning, and get funded opportunities to travel to scientific meetings or make industry visits.

“This grant recognizes that Cornell College has outstanding programs and opportunities for students in the STEM fields,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Joe Dieker.

Cornell will identify 14 first-year and transfer students to receive the grant money starting in the 2017-2018 academic year. Four additional transfer students will be added for the 2018-2019 academic year. Students can use this scholarship in conjunction with other Cornell aid.