Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume Announce Nearly $1 Million in Federal Funding for Morgan State University STEM Programs

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Representative Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) today announced an award of $999,531.00 in federal grant funding for Morgan State University (MSU) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education programs through the National Science Foundation (NSF). 

“To create a robust and diverse STEM pipeline in this country, we must tap into the power of our nation’s HBCUs. We can cultivate a vibrant, 21st century economy in Baltimore and throughout our state by boosting access to STEM careers. This federal funding will support Morgan State’s goal, as one of Maryland’s largest HBCUs, to expand opportunities for students with increased mentorship, scholarships, and educational pathways,” Senator Van Hollen said. “We will continue fighting for federal investments in STEM and securing a high-quality education for Maryland’s students.”

“Our STEM workforce should reflect the diversity of talent throughout Maryland’s communities. We must invest in breaking down structural barriers in our education system that deny underserved communities access to STEM careers,” said Senator Cardin. “By providing scholarships, mentorships and advanced programming, these funds will help more students access Morgan State University’s already high-quality STEM offerings, while helping the university provide more resources to help them succeed.”

"America will rise and fall on its ability to prepare and cultivate a diverse workforce, particularly from historically Black colleges and universities," said Congressman Mfume. "These STEM funds are an immediate investment in the education of some very talented students. In the long run, they are an investment in the success of our nation."

The funds will go toward bolstering MSU’s STEM program over five years, providing 30 undergraduate scholarships, establishing mentorship programs and personalized development plans, and enhancing the university’s STEM curricula.

This grant is the latest federal support for Morgan State University’s STEM programs. Last year the lawmakers announced over $2 million in awards for Morgan State to broaden opportunities for African-American students in STEM fields and advance STEM research.

The National Science Foundation (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.