The National Science Foundation Office of Integrative Activities awarded Macalester College $506,714 on November 1, 2026, for an REU Site project titled "Gateway to the Geosciences—Strengthening STEM Pipelines Through Keck Consortium Undergraduate Research" under CFDA 47.050 (Geosciences).
The award funds an intensive undergraduate research program that selects U.S. students to participate in hands-on research projects addressing geoscience challenges including groundwater safety, resource management, and environmental sustainability. Participants develop competencies in field and laboratory research, data interpretation, and science communication through independent projects and collaborative work within a researcher cohort. The program provides mentorship from faculty and researchers, building scientific skills, professional networks, and career preparation to strengthen the STEM workforce.
The award performs at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a period of performance extending from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2030. No subawards are planned. The Geosciences program supports basic research to strengthen the national scientific enterprise and expand fundamental knowledge of the integrated Earth system.