Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen announced Friday more than $1.5 million in federal grant funding for Morgan State University to foster its STEM-related programs.
The grant, to be administered over a three-year period through the National Science Foundation, will fund innovative ways to train MSU faculty to better engage learning among undergraduate and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students.
The grant is also the latest federal support for the university’s STEM programs.
“STEM education is the key to Maryland’s modern innovation economy, and one of the best ways to expand the opportunities for students in STEM fields is by providing more chances for undergraduate students to receive hands-on learning,” said Cardin, ranking member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. “This grant award recognizes Morgan State’s record in educating African American students and will provide Morgan with the ability to deepen its range of already high-quality STEM offerings. Ongoing federal investments like these are critical to increasing the diversity of our nation’s STEM fields.”
Van Hollen said that in addition to hands-on learning being more fun for students, it’s proven to increase their retention and knowledge.
“This funding will help teachers across the country combine this proven technique with STEM education programs, and it will help better prepare our students for the jobs of the future,” said Van Hollen, member of the Senate’s budget and appropriations committees. “This is an exciting opportunity that puts Morgan State at the forefront of this work, which will benefit our students, our communities, and ultimately our economy. I will continue working to support STEM education and secure funding in Congress to prepare our children for future success.”
In May, the two Democratic senators also applauded the award of $1.25 million for MSU to broaden opportunities for African American students in STEM fields.