The National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education awarded Marshall University Research Corporation two million dollars on August 1, 2027, under the Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program (CFDA 47.076) to support retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income undergraduates pursuing STEM degrees in rural Appalachia.
The award funds scholarships averaging fifteen thousand dollars for up to five years to 36 scholars pursuing a B.S. in chemistry, geology, physics, data science, mathematics, and statistics. Scholars receive faculty and peer mentoring organized through a phased approach that builds cohorts at different undergraduate career stages. Additional support includes supplemental instruction focused on gateway courses and career development programming. The project targets workforce needs in energy production and transition, environmental remediation, advanced materials, infrastructure monitoring, advanced manufacturing, and health analytics.
Performance occurs in Huntington, West Virginia, with an ultimate completion date of July 31, 2033. An experienced evaluator will assess the project; findings will contribute to the knowledge base on strategies for supporting low-income STEM students.