This federal Project Grant award of $1,999,999.00 from the National Science Foundation's STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) will support Northern Illinois University in implementing a five-year initiative to promote equity and excellence in STEM education. The project aims to increase the retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income students pursuing STEM bachelor's degrees at the university. Key activities include providing scholarships to at least 68 students, offering monthly professional development, implementing a mentoring program with faculty and near-peer graduate mentors, and providing optional research and internship opportunities. The project also includes training for up to 40 STEM faculty to incorporate high-impact practices and address critical issues identified by current students and alumni. The overall goal is to improve STEM degree completion for low-income, academically talented undergraduates and generate research-based knowledge about effective approaches for supporting their academic and career success.