Department of Education Awards More Than $3 million to 13 Minority Institutions for STEM Education
October 26, 2015
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 education programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) 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. Following is the list of awardees with first-year award amounts:
Alabama
Alabama A&M University
$118,975
Alabama State University
$249,720
Arkansas
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
$190,271
California
San Mateo County Community College District - Canada College
$300,000
District of Columbia
Howard University
$249,999
Georgia
Morehouse College
$248,922
Mississippi
Rust College
$249,671
North Carolina
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
$250,000
North Carolina Central University
$249,998
New York
City University of New York - Borough of Manhattan Community College
$182,549
City University of New York - New York City College of Technology
$247,713
Puerto Rico
Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Arecibo Campus
$249,487
Texas
University of Texas at San Antonio
$249,372