Chemistry Impact in Arizona's Tech Sector
GrantID: 4806
Grant Funding Amount Low: $5,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $5,000
Summary
Grant Overview
STEM Scholarships Promoting Diversity in Arizona
Arizona faces significant disparities in higher education, particularly among underrepresented groups in the STEM fields. Recent data from the Arizona Board of Regents reveals that while minority students comprise a growing segment of the state's population, they remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines like chemistry. With a large Hispanic population and high rates of poverty in certain areas, the state grapples with systemic barriers that hinder educational attainment.
Local underrepresented students often encounter several challenges, including financial barriers, limited access to advanced science courses in high school, and a lack of mentorship opportunities. The result is a substantial gap in degrees awarded in chemistry-related fields, despite Arizona’s growing need for skilled professionals to support industries such as biotechnology, environmental science, and healthcare. According to a report from the National Science Foundation, Arizona ranks among the states with the lowest STEM degree attainment rates for underrepresented populations.
This scholarship program is designed to precisely address these challenges by providing financial aid to undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups pursuing chemistry-related degrees in Arizona. The goal of this initiative is to remove financial barriers while significantly improving academic outcomes. By incentivizing students to enter chemistry and related fields, the program not only seeks to increase diversity but also to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
To ensure successful implementation, the program partners with local industries, universities, and community organizations to provide mentorship and practical training experiences. By aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, these collaborations facilitate relevant skills development, enabling students to graduate with practical knowledge applicable in Arizona’s growing tech and research sectors. For example, many students may gain internships at local chemical manufacturing companies or research institutions, enhancing their employability upon graduation.
The overarching aim of this initiative is to cultivate a more diverse and qualified workforce in Arizona’s chemical sciences. By addressing financial and educational barriers, the program seeks to empower underrepresented students and contribute to the state’s economic development and innovation capacity.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
