Search | Menu Madison College STEM Center $1M NSF grant to elevate student equity in science and technology
Madison College has received a $1 million National Science Foundation grant to enhance its efforts in promoting equity in STEM fields.
By offering a scholarship program for talented, low-income students, hosting awareness-raising events, and leveraging the Madison College STEM Center for mentorship and research opportunities, the project aims to increase the recruitment, retention, and workforce transition of underrepresented students.
Scholarship for STEM students
The grant will provide at least 25 full ride scholarships to students in the STEM Transfer or Information Technology programs.
The project also seeks to establish an ecosystem that supports career development and contributes to a more diverse and competitive STEM workforce, leading to more STEM education and career opportunities for historically marginalized students.
Dr. Kit Carlson, STEM Center Director, emphasized the goal of the college's initiatives under the NSF grant funding.
“We're so honored to receive an NSF S-STEM grant at Madison College," Carlson said. "Through this work, we’ll be able to make a real difference in how we recruit, retain, and support STEM students. We’re confident that the impact on student success will be profound, helping to build a diverse and well-prepared STEM workforce."
Accessible STEM education
The grant will also support research into effective ways to help students succeed in science and technology careers. By partnering with local industries, academic institutions, and community organizations, the goal is to make a lasting impact on institutional practices and student success, promoting equity and access within STEM education at Madison College. The grant was awarded in August 2024 and continue through 2030.
Madison College is a beacon of accessible STEM education in south-central Wisconsin and has been recognized as a regional tech hub by the Biden-Harris administration in 2023.
Since opening in 2018, the Madison College STEM Center has established a strong network of partnerships with industries, academia, and community organizations.
This collaborative network includes EPIC and Immuto Scientific in the industry sector, well-respected academic institutions like the UW Carbone Cancer Center and the UW-Madison Data Science Institute, and impactful community partners such as Maydm and the Badgerland Girl Scouts.
The grant principal investigator is Dr. Kit Carlson, and the co-principal investigators are Elise Van Ginkel, Ken McCullough, Angela Yang and Dr. Kevin Mirus. The Madison College Grants Office Team provided excellent support for the team.
Find more information on Madison College Stem Center.
