WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (all D-Md.) have announced $150,000 in federal funding for Morgan State University. The funding will create a one-year pilot program that will help increase students’ proficiency and success in programming skills with the goal to retain them as computer science majors. It is a part of a continued focus on STEM education in Maryland and across the country, and it was awarded through the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – Undergraduate Program. This funding is in addition to the $1.5 million the lawmakers announced for Morgan State in July.
“Increasing diversity is critical to the long term strength of our STEM workforce,” said Senator Cardin. “I am pleased by the NSF’s continuing recognition of Morgan State’s value as an HBCU with high-quality, job-market informed STEM programs.”
“Encouraging students to pursue careers in technology and other STEM disciplines is vital to our economic growth and international competitiveness. HBCUs like Morgan State are committed to making that goal a reality and increasing diversity in this important field. I will continue working in Congress to make sure that our students receive the best education and are prepared for future success in the workplace,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committees.
“STEM education is crucial to ensuring that the next generation is at the forefront of scientific and technological research and development, and is ready to innovate solutions to the problems of the present and future. As a member of the Morgan State University Board of Regents, I have witnessed how Morgan, and other HBCUs, prepare today’s leaders for tomorrow’s challenges and I am pleased that this grant will provide the foundation for students’ future successes,” said Congressman Cummings.
NSF supports research, innovation, and discovery that provides the foundation for economic growth in this country. By advancing the frontiers of science and engineering, our nation can develop the knowledge and cutting edge technologies needed to address the challenges we face today and will face in the future.
###
