This $1,999,852 federal Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) supports the "Coaching, Advising and Research Experiences (CARE) to Support Low-Income Students" initiative at Kansas State University (KSU). The 5-year project aims to increase STEM degree completion among low-income, high-achieving undergraduates with demonstrated financial need.
Specifically, the grant will fund scholarships for up to 36 unique full-time students pursuing bachelor's degrees in STEM fields at KSU, including returning sophomores and incoming transfer students from partner institution Dodge City Community College. In addition to scholarships, the project will provide evidence-based interventions such as academic coaching and research opportunities to support student retention, academic standing, and graduation. The mixed-method research plan will evaluate the impacts of these support services, and project outcomes will be disseminated through journal and conference publications. Dodge City Community College is serving as a sub-awardee on the project to help deliver services to students.