South Carolina State University (SC State) has received funding to support research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
According to WCIV-4 News, the state’s only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has received $8 million, which will go toward education and research within its College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Transportation (STEM-T College) and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) workforce development.
“I thank Gov. Henry McMaster and the General Assembly for supporting this visionary milestone in the development of SC State and our partners in this critical endeavor,” SC State President Alexander Conyers said, per WCIV-4 News.
Elbert R. Malone, SC State associate provost for research and sponsored programs, added:
“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, particularly as we move toward Research II status.”
The new funds will support the hiring of 12 research faculty in environmental engineering, the basic sciences of biology, chemistry and radiochemistry, health physics, nuclear engineering, and cybersecurity and networking. It will also target undergraduate scholarships, internships, and the creation of two pre-college institutes — the Summer Bridge Program for young students and the Summer Science Institute for teachers — among other plans.
Furthermore, the school has an opportunity to receive additional funding if certain criteria are fulfilled under a $40 million proviso.
“This investment underscores the state’s commitment to preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving STEM world,” Dr. Frederick Evans, SC State provost and vice president for academic affairs, said, according to WCIV-4 New. “Expanding access to STEM education empowers our youth to innovate, create, and drive our state’s future economic success.”
