NSF grant will train next generation of scientists and engineers

A project from South Dakota State University's Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering will provide scholarships for high-achieving, low-income engineering students. 

The United States needs more well-educated scientists, engineers, mathematicians and technicians. That's according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which indicates not only a shortage, but an increasing demand for these positions.

A National Science Foundation-backed program housed in South Dakota State University's Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering will help to bring more students into these roles. The five-year program will be backed with $2 million in funding and will provide scholarships to high-achieving, low-income students.

A total of 40 students may receive scholarships for up to $60,000 over the course of their college career. Scholars must pursue bachelor's degrees in either agricultural and biosystems engineering, civil engineering, computer science, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering to receive the scholarship.

SDState has had some variation of this program for a number of decades.

"We've had various versions of this scholarship over the years," said Suzette Burckhard, the principal investigator on the project and the assistant dean for the Lohr College. "Each time, we are tweaking things to make it more successful for our students."

The selected students receive more than just scholarships, however. They also receive faculty and peer mentoring and student success support activities and will build a cohort among themselves by participating in a one-week summer course.

“I’m so proud of Dr. Burckhard’s efforts and leadership in securing this award," said Rajesh Kavasseri, associate dean for research for the Lohr College. “STEM is the backbone of the modern U.S. economy supporting nearly a quarter of the U.S. workforce. With the tech-intensive and digital sectors generating roughly a 10th of gross domestic product and driving virtually every other industry, these efforts are an investment into our future — and one that will pay rich dividends."

This project is funded by NSF's Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program, which seeks to increase the number of academically talented, low-income students with demonstrated financial need who earn degrees in STEM fields.