HACU-member institutions receive grant to strengthen STEM education among minorities

Four Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) member institutions of five Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are recipients of a U.S. Department of Education grant to strengthen education programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP).

The recipients will receive the three-year award to support: the development of pre-college enrichment activities in science; tutoring and enhancement of research skills in science education for students; faculty training to develop specific science research or education skills; curriculum development in STEM fields; renovation of STEM labs/classrooms; and any other activities designed to address specific barriers to the entry of minorities into STEM disciplines.

In addition to being classified as Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), the colleges and universities are also considered Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) for serving large minority populations. The five institutions were among 13 recipients.

According to a U.S. Department of Commerce report, a college graduate in a STEM field earns 26 percent more than a college graduate in other fields, and by 2018, jobs in the STEM fields are projected to grow twice as fast as those in other fields.

The following institutions are grant recipients. Highlighted institutions are also HACU members.

City University of New York - Borough of Manhattan Community College
$182,549

City University of New York - New York City College of Technology
$247,713

Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Arecibo Campus
$249,487

San Mateo County Community College District - Canada College
$300,000

University of Texas at San Antonio
$249,372