Federal Grant Award Summary

CAL Poly Corporation received a $2.6 million Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Undergraduate Education under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076), awarded March 15, 2026, with completion targeted for February 29, 2032. This collaborative research initiative provides scholarships averaging $13,000 annually for up to five years to high-achieving, low-income students pursuing associate degrees at Allan Hancock College and Cuesta College, as well as bachelor of science degrees in computer science and engineering. The project delivers comprehensive support services including faculty co-mentoring across institutions, strengths coaching, internship placements, and student research opportunities designed to build strong scholar cohorts through networking and connection activities.

The primary objective is to increase Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degree completion among academically talented, low-income undergraduates with demonstrated financial need, thereby strengthening the domestic STEM workforce in engineering, computer science, and related critical sectors. The award includes evaluation by an experienced external evaluator to assess factors contributing to successful student transfer and institutional sustainability, with findings intended to contribute to the broader knowledge base on effective strategies for supporting low-income STEM students. This Track 3 project directly addresses the national imperative to grow the STEM workforce and ensure economic competitiveness across key sectors.