California State University Stanislaus is slated to receive $5.5 million in federal Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) grant money in support of a cooperative arrangement with San Joaquin Delta College and Merced College. The primary goals of the grant are to increase enrollment and degree completion by Hispanic and low-income transfer and non-transfer students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. The first installment of $1.1 million has been awarded for academic year 2011-12.
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“We are a critical pathway for Hispanic and low-income students seeking careers in STEM fields,” said CSU Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani. “The HSI-STEM monies are truly vital to serving the needs of students who face significant barriers to educational attainment in the STEM disciplines. Given the severe cuts imposed on both the CSU and community colleges over the past several years, we must continue to aggressively pursue external funding sources if we are going to be able to both sustain and grow valuable programs like this, which will enable us to carry out our essential mission and continue to serve the educational needs of our students and communities."
“Hispanic and low-income students represent a significant demographic group in this region, yet they are typically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math programs, said Jim Strong, CSU Stanislaus provost and vice president for academic affairs. “This new program will provide these students with the academic enrichment and support they need to excel in STEM programs and to successfully transfer and graduate from CSU Stanislaus.”
HSI-STEM monies are awarded to deserving regional institutions that have completed a competitive application process. The Hispanic Serving Institutions Program was authorized under Title V, Part A of the Higher Education Act (CFDA# 84.031S) as well as the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007.
