Grant will be used to increase access to the Biological Sciences.
Dominican College has been awarded $592,688 from the National Science Foundation to support scholarships for students in biological sciences.
The money comes from the NSF S-STEM (Scholarships for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program. The program is intended to improve educational opportunities and support programs for academically talented students with financial need in an effort to boost the nation’s STEM workforce.
The award for the project, titled “Increasing Access to the Biological Sciences”, starts July 1, 2015 and ends June 20, 2020.
Bernadette J. Connors, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology, is the grant’s principal investigator. She said it will be used to provide scholarships for biology students. Students in the program will also be offered field trips and internships that enhance their education, along with opportunities to present research at national conferences.
“Dominican College is pleased to receive this grant,” said Sr. Kathleen Sullivan, O.P, Chancellor. “Along with the recognition by NSF of the rigor of our Biology program, we appreciate the commitment of the faculty to the advancement of STEM fields and the success of students in these majors.”
The grant allows academically talented, financially challenged students to complete baccalaureate degrees in Biological Sciences at Dominican College, while also:
- Providing a variety of resources proven to ensure student success and reduce attrition rates among STEM majors;
- Fostering a partnership between the College, area high schools, and the region’s industrial sectors;
- Expanding awareness of career opportunities in STEM fields among students, parents, and teachers;
- Increasing the number of students who successfully complete their undergraduate degree in Biology in four years, and increase the number of students entering STEM fields;
The grant draws on the strong academic and social structures and activities available at the College. Students will be provided with opportunities for training to be laboratory mentors for high school students and participate in active research projects and internships with the College’s industrial partners. Various events and activities will create a learning community among the participants and the staff and faculty at Dominican College.
Dr. Connors said the College expects to choose the first cohort by fall 2015.
For information about applying for one of the scholarships offered under the grant please contact the Office of Admissions at 1(866)4DC-INFO or admissions@duny.edu