Minority-serving institutions to receive share in $3m Federal funding
The US Department of Education is splitting $3m among 13 colleges and universities with large minority student populations to strengthen their STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programmes through the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Programme. The three-year awards will expand opportunities for high school and college students, as well as offer faculty training and renovate classroom and lab spaces. Schools in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia received the grants, which range from about $119,000 to $300,000.

Grants will help institutions implement STEM education programs, initiatives.

The U.S. Department of Education is awarding more than $3 million in new awards to 13 colleges and universities that serve large minority populations to strengthen STEM education programs through the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP).

“Strengthening these institutions that serve large minority populations in STEM is vital to building a strong economy and competitive workforce, while helping ensure that all students have the opportunity to be successful in college, careers and life,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. “These grants will help ensure that students, particularly our underrepresented and minority students, are well-prepared for the 21st century global marketplace and on the path to a successful future in a STEM field.”

MSEIP grants are three-year awards that support a variety of activities, including: the development of pre-college enrichment activities in science; tutoring and enhancement of research skills in science education for students; faculty training to develop specific science research or education skills; curriculum development in STEM fields; renovation of STEM labs/classrooms; and any other activities designed to address specific barriers to the entry of minorities into STEM disciplines.

MSEIP supports the Administration’s overall goal of improving STEM education as a route to improving America’s global scientific and technological competitiveness.

According to a U.S. Department of Commerce report, a college graduate in a STEM field earns 26 percent more than a college graduate in other fields, and by 2018, jobs in the STEM fields are projected to grow twice as fast as those in other fields.

For a full list of institutions receiving grants for STEM education, click here.

Material from a press release was used in this report.