Project director Dr. Mark Jensen, chair/professor of chemistry, will lead the program, which includes $576,000 for scholarships.
The college’s FOCUS program (Fostering Opportunities for Community, Understanding, and Success) has been created to assist in expansion of the STEM workforce by developing and implementing strategies to attract, retain and prepare academically talented, low-income students interested in STEM careers.
Two cohorts of 12 students, including those who might not otherwise consider Concordia, will be awarded significant scholarship support.
“We’re particularly excited to draw applicants from diverse populations that have been traditionally underrepresented on our campus,” Jensen says.
Once in the program, the students will be supported by a strong mentoring network and a variety of academic, social and vocational opportunities to help them flourish and succeed during their time at Concordia and beyond. There will be an array of integrated high-impact learning practices such as first-year seminars, learning communities, writing-intensive courses, research and service-learning.
Professional preparation of these students will be highlighted by a four-year career development program that integrates awareness of opportunities with research positions, job shadowing, professional STEM mentorships and paid internships.
“We as faculty are always excited to teach and mentor talented students,” Jensen says. “But I’m particularly excited about the opportunities this grant will provide to help us better understand how we may need to change to offer a more welcoming and supportive environment to students from diverse backgrounds.”
This award starts March 1, 2017, and ends Feb. 28, 2022. Concordia will welcome the first cohort of scholars to campus this fall. This is Concordia’s second S-STEM grant award.
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