South Carolina’s HBCU Has Secured $8M For STEM Development
South Carolina State University (SC State), the only historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the state, has secured an $8 million allocation from the state.
The funding aims to enhance its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) research and workforce development initiatives in partnership with Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL).
This funding marks a milestone for the university’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Transportation (STEM-T College).
A Historic Investment in STEM
This $8 million is part of an initial $40 million state proviso designed to support various educational initiatives.
“This investment underscores the state’s commitment to preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Dr. Frederick Evans, SC State provost and vice president for academic affairs.
“Expanding access to STEM education empowers our youth to innovate, create, and drive our state’s future economic success.”
Enhancing Research and Educational Opportunities
The funds will enable SC State to employ 12 new research faculty members in environmental engineering, biology, chemistry, health physics, nuclear engineering, and cybersecurity.
Additionally, scholarships and internships for undergraduate students will be offered, and three Centers of Excellence will be established focusing on energy and environmental solutions, nuclear criticality and radiochemistry, and cyber defense education.
SC State also plans to enhance its STEM labs with new equipment and modifications to provide students with an educational experience.
Aiming for Research II Status
Much of the new faculty’s time will be dedicated to research to secure additional funding to sustain the initiatives beyond the initial grant period.
SC State aims to achieve Research II (R2) status, which would enhance its ability to compete for federal and corporate research funding.
This strategic move is expected to boost the university’s reputation and its graduates’ marketability in the STEM fields.
“These funds will be transformational to the STEM-T College because it will provide an opportunity to build a robust research infrastructure that will allow the university to compete in the research arena on national and international levels,” Elbert R. Malone, SC State associate, said.
In addition to enhancing its research capabilities, SC State will launch pre-college institutes such as the Summer Bridge Program for young students and the Summer Science Institute for teachers, further broadening its impact on STEM education.
Feature Image Credit: Greenville News
