Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College received a $1,998,309 Project Grant award effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2032, funded by the National Science Foundation's Division of Undergraduate Education under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076). The institution will provide scholarships averaging $6,000 for up to two years to approximately 80 low-income, high-achieving undergraduate scholars pursuing Associate of Applied Science degrees in Computer Technology, Engineering Technology, and Laboratory Technology. This Track 1 Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) initiative directly supports student retention and degree completion through structured academic support services.

In addition to scholarship funding, the college will deliver comprehensive student support services including faculty and peer mentoring through structured cohort-based programs, dedicated academic advising, internship placements with regional industry partners, and career support services. An external evaluator will assess project outcomes through institutional data collection, student surveys, and focus groups to contribute to the broader knowledge base regarding effective retention strategies for low-income STEM students. This comprehensive approach addresses the national need for an expanded STEM workforce in critical sectors including engineering technology, laboratory sciences, and information technology, while strengthening West Virginia's regional economic competitiveness through talent development in the Appalachian region.