Success in this program lends itself to the re-vitalizing of other programs such as pre-med. But most importantly, it speaks to a national concern surrounding STEM professions.

By RHONDA CROWDER
Staff Reporter

Central State University was recently awarded a $600K grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).  This award undergirds CSU’s commitment to develop appropriate research infrastructures that will result in the establishment of a Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology.

Through this NSF-Benjamin Banneker Scholarship Program (BBSP), CSU is strengthening its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs and broadening the STEM workforce by offering merit-based scholarships, in conjunction with academic and other student support, to high-achieving high school seniors or transfer students.

This academic scholarship is a one-year $7,500 award which is granted at a rate of $3,750 per semester.

The University Council on Undergraduate Research reviews the applications for the scholarship and makes the final selections and awards. This scholarship is open to Central State University students majoring in a STEM department.

Of the two hundred STEM students on campus, 31 are Benjamin Banneker Scholars.

“The primary goal is to matriculate the students from a B.A. to graduate schools,” said Dr. Anthony Arment, associate professor of Biology and co-principal investigator of BBSP.

Dr. Cadance Lowell, professor of Biology and co-principal investigator of the Benjamin Banneker Scholars Program (BBSP) explained that the NSF award is a combination project stemming from a step grant. The NSF grant has allowed the program to expand, enabling the school to provide an honors dorm for example.  “This was the first program capable of getting students to live together,” said Lowell.

The learning communities consist of students in different STEM majors yet have similar core classes. They also have six required activities. They must live together in the honors dorm, meet with their mentors, complete two professional development trainings, complete two grad school visits, and apply to one STEM internship or summer school.

According to Dr. Kimberly Kendricks, associate professor of mathematics and principal investigator, a participant survey shows the mentoring component has the largest impact on the students.  She explained that aside from the required monthly meeting, some mentors hold informal sessions, invite students to their homes, and give students their cell phone numbers.

 “It’s these beyond the duty actions that help retain the students,” said Kendricks.

Success in this program lends itself to the re-vitalizing of other programs such as pre-med. But most importantly, it speaks to a national concern surrounding STEM professions.

“This program addresses the lack of diversity in STEM workforce,” said Kendricks.

She went on to say, “This research project will strengthen the research credentials of our university’s faculty as well as the resources and facilities of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) departments, thereby creating the foundation for Central State to become a competitive research institution.”