Utah Valley University’s (UVU) College of Science has been awarded a $1.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program. The grant will support the retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income students pursuing STEM degrees at UVU.

The six-year project aims to address attrition factors such as lengthy time to completion, excessive part-time work, and feelings of isolation. By providing scholarships to at least 32 unique full-time students, the project seeks to improve the retention and graduation rates of students majoring in biology, biotechnology, botany, microbiology, or bioinformatics.

Dr. Geoff Zahn, associate professor in UVU’s Department of Biology, said, “Students in our previous S-STEM program had a graduation rate of 95%, highlighting the strength of mentored research. This new grant reflects the strength of the undergraduate research culture we have built in the biology department, and it builds on our past successes.”

The project will offer scholarship recipients the opportunity to participate in faculty-mentored research programs, teaching assistantships, internships, and other activities. Weekly cohort meetings with faculty, administrators, and industry professionals, as well as professional development opportunities, will further enhance the students’ education and preparation for the workforce and graduate school.

Dr. Daniel Horns, dean of UVU’s College of Science, emphasized the importance of these networks, stating, “The S-STEM scholars will be able to cultivate supportive networks with faculty members and other students, and these networks will provide them with intellectual and emotional support, which will also help ensure that they graduate.”

The overall goal of the project is to increase STEM degree completion among low-income, high-achieving undergraduates with demonstrated financial need. For more information see https://www.uvu.edu/college-of-science/.