The National Science Foundation has awarded Kennesaw State University two grants totaling $900,000 to improve minority participation and success in undergraduate and graduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics degree programs.

Kennesaw State’s share is part of a $4 million grant over the next five years to fund a University of Georgia-directed project, “Peach State LSAMP – Extending the STEM Pipeline in the Peach State:  Mentorship, Research and Graduate School.” The NSF grant provides students with mentors, research opportunities and financial aid.

Each of Kennesaw State’s campuses will receive $450,000 to implement program activities and initiatives. 

“Thanks to this NSF grant, Kennesaw State can continue its comprehensive and integrated series of recruitment and retention initiatives that address key transition points from undergraduate recruitment through preparation for graduate school,” said Adrian Epps, associate dean for external affairs and associate professor of educational leadership. Epps served as the principal investigator on the grant. 

When the Peach State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation began in 2005, Kennesaw State’s Marietta Campus (formerly Southern Polytechnic State University prior to consolidation in 2015) was one of the original members. Kennesaw State joined the Alliance in 2011. There are currently more than 50 LSAMP scholars at both campuses. 

The Marietta Campus LSAMP effort is led by David Veazie, professor of mechanical engineering, and Philip Patterson, associate professor of physics. 

“The ultimate goal of the Peach State LSAMP Program is to encourage minority scholars to pursue graduate degrees in STEM fields,” said Veazie, Marietta Campus LSAMP director. “This NSF LSAMP grant will enable minority undergraduate students to conduct cutting-edge research at an early stage of their education with top engineers and scientists in support of their applications to graduate schools.” 

Minority enrollment in STEM fields at Kennesaw State has increased from 1,760 in 2011 to 2,944 in 2014. The number of Bachelor of Science degrees earned by underrepresented minorities in STEM has risen from 238 in 2011 to 1,368 in 2014.