Federal Grant Award Summary

Athens State University received a $2.0 million Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Undergraduate Education under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076), awarded January 15, 2026, with a completion date of December 31, 2031. The project provides scholarships and comprehensive support services to 28 academically talented, low-income undergraduate students pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Mathematics. Scholars receive average annual scholarships of $15,000 for up to three years, with total financial support designed to address demonstrated financial need and improve degree completion rates in STEM disciplines.

In addition to direct financial aid, the project delivers integrated student support services including faculty mentoring, peer mentoring, and community engagement activities. Support mechanisms include virtual seminar speakers, virtual tutoring services, and an orientation STEM course designed to build strong scholar cohorts and enhance retention. The initiative is evaluated by an experienced independent evaluator who collects survey data, focus group interviews, and retention and graduation rate data to assess project effectiveness. The evaluation findings contribute to the broader knowledge base regarding evidence-based strategies for supporting low-income STEM students, with particular emphasis on strengthening workforce development in critical sectors including biotechnology, aerospace, and computing.