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AAAS S-STEM Initiative

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About the AAAS S-STEM Initiative

Advancing our knowledge of evidence-based best practices for recruiting, retaining, mentoring, and supporting low-income, high-achieving STEM students is of strategic importance for the nation. The NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program provides competitive awards to enable higher education institutions to provide scholarships to low-income, high achieving STEM students who have demonstrated financial need. S-STEM projects also advance the adaptation, implementation, and study of evidence-based curricular and co-curricular activities that promote the recruitment, retention, and graduation of low-income students in STEM fields. Although individual awardees advance efforts on their own campuses, it is important for the community to periodically engage in a robust exchange of ideas and knowledge. To that end, this project led by the American Association for the Advancement of Science will convene two S-STEM Symposia, one in 2019 and a second in 2022. The two Symposia will together provide at least 1300 participants with an opportunity to:

(a) share and learn about effective STEM undergraduate education and workforce preparation strategies;

(b) disseminate effective STEM undergraduate education and workforce preparation ideas to their colleagues and others;

(c) make new connections and create collaborations;

(d) promote a shared measurement system;

(e) enhance communication; and

(f) generate a sense of community among those seeking to expand academic opportunities for low-income STEM students.

Our Next Symposium will take place September 29, 2022 - October 1,2022  in Washington, DC. For more information pertaining to the 2022 S-STEM Symposium click here

About the NSF S-STEM Program

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program addresses the need for a high quality STEM workforce in STEM disciplines supported by the program and for the increased success of low-income academically talented students with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The S-STEM program provides awards to Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to fund scholarships and to advance the adaptation, implementation, and study of evidence-based curricular and co-curricular activities that promote recruitment, retention, and graduation in STEM for low-income, academically talented students with financial needs.