SCC receives $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation

Published on Sep 12, 2024

The U.S. National Science Foundation has awarded Somerset Community College (SCC) $500,000 that will support students studying in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) fields.

This Enhancing STEM Education grant is part of the $14.5 million in the inaugural set of awards through the NSF’s Innovation in Two-Year College (ITYC) in STEM Education.

SCC pursued this opportunity for its students when college leadership applied for the ESTEME grant in the Fall of 2023. They plan to allocate $300,000 of the funds to go directly to students.

“Research has shown that peer-to-peer interactions improve academic success rates for those involved,” April Kilgore, Professor of Biology and Associate Dean of Mathematics and Natural Sciences said. “We have used peer mentoring since 2021 on a voluntary basis, and we want to offer financial assistance for their time and efforts.”

NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan expressed the crucial role community colleges, like SCC play in the future of our world.

"Community colleges play a critical role in training people from all parts of the country for a variety of STEM careers including future scientists, engineers, and technicians," said Panchanathan. "The Innovation in Two-Year College in STEM Education program is essential to how we expand pathways and opportunities so that more talented people from every part of the nation have the opportunity to make their way into STEM.”

The funds will also support STEAM days and STEM activities at community events across SCC’s campuses, aiming to engage and inspire the broader community.

“I'm pleased that Congress recognized the critical role of community colleges in the 'CHIPS and Science Act of 2022' and the foundation they provide for educational opportunities,” Panchanathan said. “Programs like ITYC are how we build on that foundation to reach more young people who have bright futures ahead of them in the STEM community."

Professor of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, Debra House shared her optimism for SCC’s STEM pathways, expressing the college's commitment to building a collaborative learning community. She stated that the ESTEME grant will further enhance peer mentoring and provide valuable resources for students, ultimately improving the transfer pathways for graduates.

“While at SCC, we have worked hard to build a learning community where students can work and learn together. The ESTEME grant will continue this momentum to build on peer mentoring and provide resources for our students,” House said. 

Learn more about STEM pathways at SCC.