Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Alfred University received $948,900 in funding from the National Science Foundation's Division of Undergraduate Education under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) for a collaborative research initiative titled "Ceramic Engineering Readiness Through Access to Mentorship, Internships, and Careers." The award, effective March 15, 2026 through February 28, 2031, supports the delivery of need-based scholarships and comprehensive student support services to approximately 45 low-income undergraduate scholars pursuing degrees in ceramic engineering and glass engineering at Alfred University, Colorado School of Mines, and Missouri University of Science and Technology. Scholars will receive individual scholarships of up to $15,000 annually for up to five years.

The project delivers integrated support services designed to enhance student retention and degree completion in specialized STEM disciplines critical to national economic competitiveness. Key deliverables include faculty, peer, and industry mentoring; an intensive paid summer program; industry partner site visits; undergraduate research and internship opportunities; professional society engagement; and conference travel. An independent evaluator will assess project outcomes through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and student artifacts to generate evidence-based findings on effective support strategies for talented, low-income STEM undergraduates. The project addresses the national shortage of ceramic and glass engineering professionals needed across semiconductor, energy, space, and other critical sectors.