WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced that Garrett College has received a $264,926 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to establish a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program. The program will better prepare workers for current and future jobs.
“America’s future depends on our ability to embrace high-tech education and training needed for jobs in the 21st Century,” said Senator Cardin. “This grant will ensure that Garrett College has the tools needed to help students succeed and propel our economy forward through highly skilled, technical jobs.”
“Education is the opportunity ladder of this nation and higher education is a critical rung in that ladder,” Senator Mikulski said. “STEM graduates are in demand to fill the jobs of today and the jobs of tomorrow. Every student deserves a chance to excel in those fields. I’m so proud of Garrett College for winning this grant.”
Garrett College will use the funding for three different projects under the STEM program. The first will support Associate degree programs in math/science, electrical engineering, cyber-security and other computer information technology programs, and elementary and secondary education. The second project will establish the Rural Entrepreneurship Academy, which will teach students about starting science and technology-related businesses. The third project will form a regional First Robotics competition team for high school students. ARC funds will purchase smart boards, laptop computers, a server and other pieces of equipment necessary to implement the STEM program.
In addition to ARC funds, state sources will provide $82,000, and local sources will provide $182,926, bringing the total project funding to $529,852.
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