AWARD YEAR: 2021

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY

DIRECTOR: MARCIA FORD WILLIAMS, PH.D.

PROJECT TITLE: NC A&T GLOBAL STEM SCHOLARS INSTITUTE

The College of Engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
(NCA&T) seeks funding for $179,043 over a period of three (3) years to implement a Burroughs Wellcome Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP), entitled, the NC A&T Global STEM Scholars Institute (GSSI). GSSI is a year-round collaboration with the College of Engineering, and the Upward Bound and TRIO programs in the Division of Student Affairs. Proposed activities enable high school students in Guilford County who identify as low-income and first-generation to participate in creative and active learning activities that augment those facilitated by the Upward Bound Program. Participants will learn about the 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering, established by the National Academy of Engineering through academic enrichment and professional development activities designed to: promote skill development in scientific inquiry, enhance participants’ awareness and competence in science and mathematics, and introduce students to STEM-related careers.

Through collaboration and leveraging of each division’s programmatic focus, GSSI will recruit and serve 30 or more Guilford County high school students who identify as low income, and first generation. Aligned with the goals of the Burroughs-Wellcome Foundation, and programmatic goals of each participating program, the GSSI seeks to achieve the following goals:

1. Enhance awareness and improve competence in science and mathematics for first generation STEM majors;
2. Offer a nurturing and learning environment that promotes STEM identity through academic enrichment and experiential learning;
3. Encourage the pursuit of careers in STEM-related areas; and,
4. Cultivate a global perspective of STEM fields.

Recognizing the Covid-19 pandemic and environmental conditions are subject to impact student accessibility and learning outcomes, all GSSI curriculum and activities will be offered in virtual, hybrid, or in-person formats, in accordance with University and CDC standards. The proposed educators have used the proposed online virtual and simulation STEM education tools and resources with success for more than one year. The professional development teacher and mentor training workshops will include best practices in engaging remote learners and effective applications of the STEM tools and resources.

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