The $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation will provide full-time, first year undergraduate students with up to four years of scholarship support as they pursue degrees in key STEM disciplines.
HPU has been awarded a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program. The funding will support HPU’s new project, Opening Doors to Scientific Careers for Disadvantaged Students, which aims to enhance the retention and graduation rates of high-achieving, low-income STEM students with demonstrated financial need.
The grant will provide 11 full-time, first-year undergraduate students with up to four years of scholarship support as they pursue degrees in key STEM disciplines, including computer science, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, and biotechnology engineering. HPU, an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution (AANAPISI), is ranked the most diverse university in the country, welcoming students from more than 65 countries.
“The Opening Doors to Scientific Careers for Disadvantaged Students project aims to benefit individual students and create a lasting impact on STEM workforce in Honolulu and beyond,” said HPU Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Chief Strategy Officer Jennifer Walsh, Ph.D. “It will offer a transformative opportunity for HPU to cultivate the next generation of scientists and engineers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Funding provides comprehensive support services, fostering both academic excellence and emotional resilience, all the while creating a clear pathway to successful STEM careers.”
The grant will provide a range of support services designed to strengthen students' STEM identity and enhance retention. Services include faculty mentoring, near-peer mentoring from advanced students, and targeted interventions aimed at developing self-efficacy. Additionally, cohort-building activities, such as retreats and weekly meetings, will further foster a sense of community among the students.
Additionally, HPU faculty will receive training in culturally responsive teaching to ensure an inclusive learning environment. The project will utilize Navigate360 to provide academic and mental health support, helping students balance the demands of rigorous coursework with personal well-being.
“This project perfectly aligns with HPU’s mission to provide HPU students with the tools they need to excel in their chosen fields," said HPU Professor and Program Director of Data Science, principal investigator of the grant, Chong Ho Yu, Ph.D. "By combining academic mentorship with psychosocial support, we offer a holistic approach to student success in STEM."
The grant will explore the impact of various support strategies for underrepresented STEM students. The results will add to the body of research on how universities can most effectively help disadvantaged students achieve both academic success and long-term career goals.
"We look to understand which interventions have the greatest impact on the retention and success of economically disadvantaged students. These insights will not only improve outcomes at HPU, but also serve as a model for other institutions with similar demographics," said Yu.
The project's results will be submitted for publication in academic journals and presented at national STEM education conferences, ensuring the broader academic community benefits from the knowledge gained.
HPU offers a wide range of undergraduate STEM programs. In addition to the key degrees supported by this grant, students can pursue bachelor's degrees in fields such as applied mathematics, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, environmental studies, marine biology, oceanography, and nursing.
The demand for professionals with STEM degrees has experienced remarkable growth. Recent reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics project that employment in STEM occupations will increase by over 10% from 2023 to 2033, surpassing the average job growth across all sectors. By prioritizing STEM education, HPU not only addresses these expanding workforce needs but also empowers underrepresented and disadvantaged students to excel in high-demand fields that are vital to Hawai‘i’s economy and beyond.
“As we face a growing need for STEM professionals across the country, this grant allows us to create pathways for talented, underrepresented students to enter these vital fields. By investing in their education and support, we’re addressing workforce shortages and cultivating a diverse and talented pool of innovators who will help shape the future of science and technology,” said Walsh.
To learn more about STEM programs at HPU, click here.
