Bemidji State University awarded $2.5 million S-STEM Grant from National Science Foundation

Bemidji State University has been awarded a $2.5 million S-STEM grant from the National Science Foundation. The funds will support area students completing a degree in an approved STEM field (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, or Mathematics). The funds will support the full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, plus living expenses) for students over the full four years necessary to complete an undergraduate degree. Additional supports include a learning community, SEL training, support for research and conference attendance as upper-class students, and additional advising opportunities with faculty. A goal of the S-STEM program is to provide opportunities to a broader range of students than are usually represented in traditional STEM classes. "We know we have talented students in our region who can be successful with a little support" BSU Math Professor Todd Frauenholtz said.

Interested students are encouraged to contact the Bemidji State Admissions office for more information at (218) 755-2040. For specific programmatic information interested students may directly contact faculty working on the project. Bemidji State faculty collaborating on the project are:

Dr. Katie Peterson (PI - chemistry)

Dr. Rebecca Hoffman (co-PI - social work)

Dr. Hillary Barron (co-PI - biology)

Dr. Todd Frauenholtz (co-PI - mathematics & computer science)

Dr. Anna Carlson (senior personnel - environmental studies)

Dr. Kjerstin Owens (senior personnel - biology)

Dr. Holly LaFerriere (senior personnel - biology)

Mr. Ron Wilson (American Indian Resource Center).

Students from diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. The project is beginning to recruit students for the 2024-2025 academic year when it will support a range of new students as well as several students who have already made progress on their STEM degree.