Nashville Technology Council

The Nashville Tech Story (July 21, 2009)

Belmont University was awarded a $575,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant entitled ‘Pathways to Science, Technology and Mathematics’ is a part of the Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) program of the NSF.

Through this grant, 20 students will be awarded $10,000 scholarships, which can be renewed for up to four years. These students will also be given opportunities to engage in internships, undergraduate research, and visits to scientific and technological sites.

“The students with interest and aptitude for the Sciences, Technology and Mathematics have especially bright futures ahead as long as they have the proper preparation,” said Belmont University Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Glenn Acree. “We, in the School of Sciences, at Belmont, expect to be very active in spreading this word and in preparing these students for the challenges ahead.”

The Pathways grant objectives include: increasing quantity and quality of students majoring in STEM disciplines, strengthening retention of these students, providing knowledge of various opportunities for careers and graduate studies and enriching relationships with high schools and industry across Middle Tennessee.

“In addition to taking advantage of the T3 guest speakers’ series, each of the Pathways Scholars will be provided the connections to engage in internship experiences and also build relationships through an industry mentor program. We look forward to working with the Nashville Technology Council through each of these programs,” said Acree.

Belmont credits its involvement with the Nashville Technology Council, as well as the commitment of the Middle Tennessee Technology sector to collaborate with area institutions of higher education, as one of the factors that helped them secure this S-STEM grant.

The S-STEM program emphasizes the importance of recruiting students to the disciplines of the Sciences, Technology and Mathematics, mentoring and supporting students through degree completion and partnering with employers to facilitate student career placement in the STEM workforce.

“This is the first of what I expect will be many grants with this type of impact to be awarded to our faculty over the next few months and years,” said Acree.