TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (February 9, 2012) – The science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs have generated a lot of attention in recent weeks at Tallahassee Community College.

In January, the College announced that it would become a Center of Excellence in STEM Education, an initiative to help attract more young people into the STEM disciplines.  Now, the National Science Foundation has awarded a grant to TCC that will be used to increase the STEM workforce by recruiting, mentoring and supporting academically talented, but financially needy, students through degree completion and partnering with employers to facilitate placement.

The project, entitled “Increasing the Science-based Workforce through Scholarships,” is under the direction of Dr. Ed Stringer, associate professor of mathematics, and builds on TCC’s previous STEM Star Grant, also received from the National Science Foundation.

"This project is an excellent opportunity for students who are poised to pursue an education in the STEM disciplines,” said Dr. Stringer. “I will enjoy providing students with the resources that they will need so that they may possibly enter the workforce after leaving TCC to work in a STEM related field or transfer to a university to pursue majors in a STEM discipline.

“There is a great need for our country to produce a robust STEM workforce so that we will continue to be able to compete in a global economy. I am excited TCC was able to win this prestigious award from the National Science Foundation so we can make a contribution to this cause."

The grant award, totaling $551,995 will fund scholarships for a total of five years. The first scholarships will be awarded in the fall.

“We are very pleased to provide scholarships for students who major in STEM disciplines,” said Dr. Frank Brown, Dean of Science and Mathematics. “This is an excellent way for local students to receive scholarships in majors for which there are many employment opportunities at both the state and national levels.”

In addition to scholarships, the program will provide academic workshops, tutors and other professional growth opportunities, including internships with local businesses.

Students interested in applying for scholarship assistance should log on to www.tcc.fl.edu/scholarships. The application deadline is June 15.

For more information, call (850) 201-8189 or e-mail stemstar@tcc.fl.edu.

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