YAKIMA, Wash.-Yakima Valley College has announced grant funding to support students from low-income backgrounds pursue course and career paths in science, technology, engineering and math.
The grant from the National Science Foundation is worth $995,886 over the next six years and will help YVC provide scholarships and academic and student support.
According to a YVC press release announcing the grant, funding will support the retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income STEM students with demonstrated financial need.
“With this grant, we can build on YVC’s success in supporting students from low-income backgrounds or who are the first in their family to attend college as they pursue their desire to enter a STEM profession,” said Cristy Rasmussen, YVC STEM director.
With the funding YVC will be able to provide scholarships for at least 60 students who are pursuing associate degrees in several STEM disciplines.
According to YVC, students awarded scholarships will participate in the college’s New Scientist Training-2 (NeST-2) program and engage in discipline-specific academic support services, receive one-on-one advising and participate in hands-on research.
“Community colleges like Yakima Valley College have a crucial role to play in preparing students for a future in STEM,” said Matthew Loeser, YVC Biology Instructor.
