Seton Hill awarded $2.16 million federal grant to expand STEM-related fields

Seton Hill University says a $2.16 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education will increase its undergraduate research capabilities, build a research fund to support students and increase competitiveness in its science programs and graduate schools.

The competitive grant will expand the university’s ability to prepare graduates for careers in science, technology, engineering and math and better help under-prepared students in all programs of study, said Seton Hill President Mary C. Finger.

The funds will be used to develop new academic programming, develop high-tech science facilities, increase opportunities for undergraduate research and enhance academic supports, she said.

“The Title III Strengthening Institutions grant recognizes Seton Hill University’s historic strength in the sciences as well as its longstanding commitment to providing access to educational opportunities to traditionally under-served students,” Finger said.

“This grant will allow Seton Hill to expand upon our already robust academic programs in STEM fields and will provide students with the skills they need to succeed in their classes and in the highly-technical fields that await them.”

Seton Hill Provost Susan Yochum said the grant will support Seton Hill students in four key ways:

• The Robert M. Brownlee Mathematics Enrichment Center will be expanded to increase successful outcomes for academically under-prepared students and those in math-intensive STEM majors.

• It will provide funding for a new bachelor of science degree in nursing, which began admitting students this fall, and the addition of a laboratory and educational equipment. The nursing program is aimed at reducing a nursing shortage throughout the state, especially in under-served rural and urban areas.

• The development of high-tech learning environments for students studying science-related fields.

• The increase of research funds and opportunities.

Two past Title III grants awarded to Seton Hill — in 2000 and in 2008 – allowed the university to sustain and upgrade campus technology and provide technology-related training to faculty.