This $199,968 National Science Foundation project grant will support Longwood University in collaboratively planning a future Scholars in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) proposal. The proposal aims to increase science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree completion among low-income, high-achieving undergraduates in rural Virginia communities.
Under this one-year planning award ending May 31, 2023, Longwood University will partner with five Virginia community colleges to strengthen existing partnerships, hold a collaborative STEM summit focused on rural students, and design a detailed plan to support students through associate's and bachelor's degree programs. The future S-STEM proposal developed under this grant will include scholarship funding, support services, and pathways to facilitate community college transfers into four-year STEM programs informed by research and industry input. If funded, the S-STEM proposal aims to address workforce demands while expanding opportunities for rural Southern and Southwestern Virginia students under the National Science Foundation's STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076).