NASA awards grants to improve STEM programs in higher education

NASA awards grants to improve STEM programs in higher education

Degree seekers who wish to launch careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations may benefit financially, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that these professionals earned $64,650 during the 2006-2007 fiscal year. In an effort to encourage more adults to pursue jobs in these industries, NASA has launched a number of new scholarship programs.

This month, the organization awarded grants to nine academic institutions that serve large numbers of minority and underrepresented students. This initiative was created in order to increase access to STEM-related subjects.

NASA's Curriculum Improvement Partnership Award for the Integration of Research project awarded the funds, which totaled $1.15 million. Academic institutions will receive one-year funding ranging from approximately $145,000 to $150,000 annually for up to three years, based on performance and availability of funds.

Fayetteville State University and Southeastern Community College in North Carolina, will receive planning grants for improved academic programs, as well as LaGuardia Community College in Long Island, New York and Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. Selections were based on proposal reviews by scientists and educators from universities, the National Science Foundation and NASA.

By Mark Danson