Congressman Cohen Announces $1.9 Million STEM Research Grant to the University of Memphis

MEMPHIS - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced a $1,999,581 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to the University of Memphis for a project titled "S-STEM Bridging the Gaps: Cultivating STEM Identity and Success through STEM Outreach, Networking, and Scholarships," under the direction of Dr. Stephanie Ivey, Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Civil Engineering.

According to the NSF, the overall goal of this project is to increase Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degree completion of high-achieving, low-income undergraduates with demonstrated financial need. The project will contribute significantly to understanding why STEM identities are important for engineering students and how students develop STEM identities and what evidence-based practices best support engineering student self-efficacy, career attitudes, retention, and graduation. A distinguishing feature of the program is the multi-tiered approach to faculty mentoring scholars, scholars networking with peers, and scholars (as STEM Ambassadors) mentoring high school students. Over the four-year period, thousands of K-12 students and their teachers will be affected through the STEM Ambassador program. The STEM Ambassadors will positively impact K-12 students with whom they share similar backgrounds. At the conclusion of the scholarship award period, scholars are expected to attain bachelor's degrees in an engineering discipline and proceed thereafter to the workforce or to a graduate program.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"I commend the University and Dr. Ivey on receiving this prestigious National Science Foundation grant award. The project it underwrites will transform the lives of talented college students and the K-12 students that the ambassadors will reach. It's clear we need more scientists, engineers and technical people in our workforce. This effort will supercharge those efforts by reaching talented students in financial need."

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