Portland Community College recently announced a $999,941 grant from the National Science Foundation to create pathways from college to careers in the areas of mathematics and science. According to PCC’s statement, the College to Careers in Math and Science Project, which starts Nov. 1, is funded by NSF’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM) and the aim is to implement strategies that lower barriers for participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
“The grant will allow institutionally underserved students at the Southeast Campus to connect with other students within a cohort and experience STEM courses,” Laura Horani, dean of Math, Sciences told James Hill, public relations manager at Portland Community College. “Students will be further supported by peer tutors and mentors working in STEM fields with the goal of recruiting and retaining diverse scholars,” Horani said.
The College to Careers in Math and Science Project plans to award 108 one-year scholarships during the grant’s five years, according to PCC. Students enrolled in biological, physical, and mathematical sciences will be eligible for the scholarships. Seventy-two of the scholarships will be for transitioning recipients to Portland State’s STEM programs.
The project’s staff anticipate that 85 percent of scholars will be retained from their first to second years due to the project’s wrap-around support in key subjects, ensuring better completion rates.
The project is a collaboration between PCC, industry advisors, Portland State University and PSU’s statewide Oregon Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (OR MESA) Program.
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