NSF Awards Tuskegee University-led consortium a $5M grant to support STEM students

NSF Awards Tuskegee University-led consortium a $5M grant to support STEM students

September 06, 2024

Contact: Thonnia Lee, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing

Tuskegee University is proud to announce that the National Science Foundation awarded a $5 million grant to a consortium of institutions in Alabama and Michigan to provide STEM students from low-income communities with mentoring and scholarship support.

Tuskegee University, which serves as the lead for the RISE Consortium, will receive $2.17 million, of which nearly $750,000 will go toward scholarships for Tuskegee undergraduate and graduate students. The RISE Consortium includes Alabama's Tuskegee University, Auburn University, Auburn University Montgomery, Troy University, Southern Union State Community College, and Oakland University in Michigan.

"Tuskegee's storied history means that the research we conduct is focused on solving national problems. At the same time, we are the #1 HBCU for Social and Economic Mobility. This framework aligns perfectly with the NSF grant, which rewards the hard work that has gone into providing our students with state-of-the art STEM research and learning, while ensuring those most in need will be able to continue their education at Tuskegee," said Dr. Mark Brown, President and CEO. "Congratulations to those involved for leading this charge and securing support to strengthen our programs. This is yet another example of how Tuskegee creates opportunities to prepare leaders to serve our nation when needed."

Approximately 25 students in various STEM areas at Tuskegee University will benefit from the RISE program over the next 5 years. Program recruits will participate in research opportunities, including the development of simulation skills needed to build the next generation of designs and industry solutions, receive professional development for career planning for positions in high-demand sectors, experience opportunities to network across the consortium through an annual conference, and gain preparation for graduate school.

Dr. Mohammed A. Qazi, Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Outreach in the College of Arts and Sciences, serves as the principal investigator of the RISE Consortium. Other Tuskegee investigators include Dr. Mandoye Ndoye, Dr. Vijaya Rangari and Dr. Shaik Zainuddin.

"Through an ecosystem of co-curricular consortium activities, students will be introduced to cutting-edge technologies and be mentored continuously through a network of faculty at consortium institutions and industry specialists, a strategy that is designed to deepen students' identification as future STEM professionals," said Dr. Qazi. "Moreover, they will be role models for all aspiring scientists and engineers", shared Dr. Qazi.

Dr. Prakash, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences further said the grant exemplifies Tuskegee's commitment to fostering excellence in STEM education.

"This grant helps ensure our students from underrepresented and low-income communities are equipped with the tools and opportunities to succeed," said Dr. Prakash. "Through this collaborative effort, we are not only investing in the future of our students but also in the future of innovation."

© 2024 Tuskegee University

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