SPOKANE, Wash. — Whitworth University was recently awarded nearly $2 million to support low-income students pursuing science, technology, engineering or math degrees.
The grant from the National Science Foundation will provide financial support, academic help and career exposure to low-income, high-achieving students at the university.
“I am so excited about bringing additional talented STEM students to Whitworth and supporting them on their journey,” said Dr. Kerry Breno, associate professor of chemistry at Whitworth. “For low-income students, it puts pursuing their dreams of a scientific career within reach. We’ve also developed a holistic support program for students that will be open to and benefit all Whitworth STEM students. We really are cultivating a community that empowers our students for success.”
The grant will provide at least 80 scholarships to at least 18 students majoring in biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, math and computer science.
First-year college students will receive up to five years of scholarship funding while working toward a degree.
“STEM skills are in high demand, with thousands of job openings statewide and more on the way,” says U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “The 80 scholarships provided by this program will set Whitworth students up for long-term career success and help the State of Washington continue to lead the world in tech innovation.”
The university says the funding will also support improvements to the existing curriculum to increase student engagement and retention.
Support systems will also be provided, including a summer bridge program, mentorship programs, a first-year seminar and speaker series, extracurriculars, career readiness activities, internships, research opportunities and more.
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