USM Receives $2 Million Grant to Support STEM Students

The University of Saint Mary has received a nearly $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation for a STEM student scholarship program.

USM will now be able to provide 21 academically talented students with financial need an annual $15,000 scholarship. Students will also benefit from faculty-supervised research opportunities, GRE test prep, a living/learning community, and additional experiential learning activities. The program – named Aspire to Succeed – will accept seven students per year from 2025-27.

“We are excited to offer the Aspire to Succeed program to students interested in STEM careers,” said Dr. Rick Silvey, the division chair for the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. “Throughout their undergraduate studies at Saint Mary, STEM students will receive the 1-on-1 attention that is often lacking at larger schools. The Aspire to Succeed program will truly prepare gifted undergraduates for STEM careers and graduate school.”

Students interested in the Aspire to Succeed program can major in biology, mathematics, chemistry, or pre-engineering.