$116,000 Awarded To West Chester University For STEM Project

WEST CHESTER, PA —West Chester University was awarded $716,000 in federal funds for “Moon Shot: I Want to STEM!, a project that will guide students successfully from elementary school to a bachelor’s degree in STEM, which stands for sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The project is designed to help close the education equity gaps in student success and defy systemic barriers by 2030 so all students can excel. The program will be in the university’s College of Sciences and Mathematics Center.
Senior Vice President and Interim Provost Jeffery L. Osgood said the university is deeply grateful to U.S. Rep.Chrissy Houlahan and U.S. Senator Bob Casey for advocating successfully on the University’s behalf to secure much-needed appropriations funding of $716,000 to support the project.

“The program will establish a chain of mentorship between grade 3-12 students, undergraduates, and faculty/industry partners,” Oswood said. “The project, which has the potential to serve as a dynamic model for addressing achievement gaps, has been intentionally designed to expand K-12 STEM engagement for students in grades 3-12 who are of color and low income, as well as to improve college STEM retention by increasing financial assistance and building a sense of community for college students at WCU who are of color and low income.

Osgood said that supporting this transformative work demonstrates that inclusion is an uncompromising priority for everyone.