This $563,823 National Science Foundation STEM Education grant supports the Biology Education and Research Skills (BEARS) Scholarship Program at Kennebec Valley Community College. Over five years, the project will provide renewable one-year scholarships to 34 low-income students pursuing associate degrees in biological science. The scholarships aim to increase degree attainment in STEM fields for underrepresented groups.
The project implements evidence-based curricular and co-curricular supports for scholars, including cohort building, faculty mentors, recitation components in introductory biology and chemistry courses, research opportunities, and stipends for summer internships. It also seeks to enhance the regional STEM workforce and contribute to knowledge about supporting low-income community college students, especially in rural settings. Evaluation will provide insights into how the supports affect scholars' academic success and employment to identify effective strategies for replication. The April 1, 2022 award was made to the Maine Community College System to support services delivered through Kennebec Valley Community College.