$1.3 million grant to provide STEM prep and academic support for low-income/first-gen college students
Binghamton High School students to participate in Binghamton University Upward Bound Math Science program
The Binghamton University Upward Bound Math and Science program will provide year-round science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) college preparatory activities and academic support to 60 low-income and potential first-generation college students attending Binghamton High School, thanks to a new $1.3 million federal grant.
Thirty of the 60 students will be able to participate in an intensive, six-week, on-campus residential summer program designed to replicate and prepare participants for the rigors of postsecondary education.
Sharon Bryant, associate professor at Binghamton University’s Decker School of Nursing, will serve as the principal investigator/director for the grant. Bryant, along with Shanise Kent, assistant dean of the Office of Graduate Education at the University at Albany, worked with the Binghamton City School District to submit the proposal. “As first-generation college students, Dr. Kent and I share a mission to prepare underrepresented students for college, especially careers in the STEM fields,” Bryant said.
Upward Bound Math and Science is one of many federal TRiO programs hosted by Binghamton University designed to identify and provide services for individuals who meet federal guidelines as first-generation, low-income, historically underrepresented or disabled college students.
“If we are serious about remaining globally competitive, we must make sure all students are receiving a world-class education such as the one provided by Binghamton University. This funding will have a significant impact on these students and help them to acquire the world-class education that our post-secondary programs in New York provide,” said U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer.
“This important grant will help develop stronger STEM preparatory programs for our local high-school students through the Upward Bound Math Science program at Binghamton University,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “Stronger STEM programs will ensure that the students of today are equipped with the tools they need to become the innovators of tomorrow. I look forward to continuing to advocate for STEM programs, while working to expand opportunities for low-income and first-generation college students.”
“In order for New York to be competitive in the global economy and keep our skilled workforce in the region, we must prepare our students with the education they need for the jobs of the future,” said U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. “That starts with getting more talented students with diverse backgrounds into the STEM pipeline. These federal funds will provide Binghamton University with additional resources to help advance and develop programs that will encourage low-income, high-performing students with the resources they need to succeed in math, science and engineering.”
For more information on the program, email beckfordjr@binghamton.edu.