Athens State University has been awarded a $2,000,000 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to increase STEM degree completion of low-income and high-achieving undergraduates. Fourteen scholarships of up to $15,000 each will be available to students majoring in a STEM field through the College of Arts and Sciences for the Fall 2026 semester.
This project will contribute to the national need for well-educated scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and technicians by supporting the retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income students with demonstrated financial need at Athens State University. Across the 6-year grant duration, a total of 28 scholars pursuing a bachelor of science in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security, or Mathematics will receive scholarships up to $15,000 per year. Scholars will receive faculty, peer and community mentoring, and the project will build strong scholar cohorts through virtual seminar speakers, virtual tutoring, and an orientation STEM course.
There is a significant national need to grow the STEM workforce, particularly in North Alabama, and nurture key talent that will ensure economic competitiveness and provide domestic leadership across critical sectors. This project directly speaks to this need by supporting STEM student success, which will strengthen the workforce in biotechnology, aerospace, computing and other key areas of need.
“We are pleased to receive this grant from the National Science Foundation and are excited about the opportunities it will create for Athens State STEM students,” said Dr. Shannon Pittman, Associate Professor of Biology. “These funds will allow us to financially support and mentor students as they pursue STEM-related careers that are vital to our local and regional economy.”
For more information, visit www.athens.edu/assist.