Supporting a Seamless Transition from High School Through College to Boost Participation in the STEM Workforce

Norwich University was originally founded as the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy, and has stayed true to its roots of providing a strong STEM education. Thanks to the generous $2,000,000 continuing grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Norwich will help to remove the financial barriers often limiting academic opportunities for highly qualified undergraduates interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Dr. Darlene Olsen, a Charles A. Dana Professor of Mathematics and Norwich coordinator for the Vermont Biomedical Research Network, secured this second NSF grant aimed at recruiting and retaining low-incoming, high-achieving undergraduates. The project team includes Drs. Sarah Gallant (Chemistry), Allison Neal (Biology), and Tara Kulkarni (Associate Provost of Academic Research) from Norwich University and Dr. Liz Johnson, the external reviewer.

Over its 6-year duration, this Track 2 project will provide scholarships of up to $15,000 per year to 27 academically talented low-income undergraduate students who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, neuroscience, mathematics, or physics. First-year students will receive up to four years of scholarships. The benefits of the program go beyond the removal of the financial barriers and include comprehensive student support throughout the student’s four years of college. The project will enhance support for students as they transition from high school to college, increase career awareness, and develop students’ data science skills. Scholar mentors will encourage and assist students in engaging activities such as undergraduate research experiences, outreach projects, conferences, and graduate school preparation. The program activities will work to cultivate a strong sense of community with the STEM disciplines on campus.

The project will collect data to advance understanding of how these supports impact the retention and graduation of this low-income, high achieving student cohort to better drive future successful programs. Norwich University is unique as it educates a diverse student body interested in joining both the military and civilian workforce, therefore this project will contribute to the broader society by increasing the number of skilled STEM professionals qualified for careers in the military, private sector, government workforce, health services, and academia.

This new grant represents the natural extension of a current five-year $650,000 NSF grant focused on “Promoting Success of Undergraduate STEM Students Through Scholarship, Mentoring, and Curricular Improvements in First-year Mathematics Courses.” Dr. Olsen is the primary investigator on this award as well and partnered with multiple other members of the Norwich University faculty throughout the funding period.  The first cohort of 4 scholars graduated last May and currently there are 12 students that are receiving $10,000 scholarships. Three previously funded scholars recently received full naval scholarships. Scholars have participated in extra-curricular activities such as professional development seminars and research conferences to deepen their connection with their field of study. More than half of the scholars have participated in internships and undergraduate research.

Dr. Olsen is grateful to be able to continue this program. “The current S-STEM award began during COVID presenting a challenge to implement all the proposed support activities proposed as part of the S-STEM award. Fortunately, the program was able to overcome these difficulties to become successful. The financial support has been instrumental in students completing their education highlighting the importance of financial support in student retention. Beyond the financial consideration, the scholars preferred NU over the other institution because of the strong sense of community and support offered to students.”  

“It is a rewarding experience to have established mentorships with the scholars and I look forward to meeting and supporting new cohorts of S-STEM Scholars.”