The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently awarded Ursinus College a $1,999,659 grant, designed to improve access, retention, and career readiness for students in STEM fields.
With this funding, the college will launch a Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program called “PERSIST: Partnerships for Engagement, Resilience, and Support through Interdisciplinary STEM Teamwork.” An S-STEM program is an NSF initiative that invests in the STEM pipeline while increasing the persistence and success of academically talented, low-income students.
“This grant from the National Science Foundation affirms Ursinus College’s long-standing commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening pathways for students in STEM,” said Gundolf Graml, Ph.D., Ursinus’ interim president. “Through PERSIST, Ursinus will remove financial barriers, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensure that talented students have the support, confidence, and real-world preparation they need to succeed in STEM careers and beyond.”
The six-year PERSIST program will provide scholarships and academic support to 24 Ursinus students majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology, biology, chemistry, computer science, neuroscience, and physics & astronomy. Doing so will help these students complete a STEM degree at Ursinus and enter the workforce or a graduate program in a STEM field.
The program will also help the college retain students who succeed academically and have financial obstacles, while seamlessly complementing and enhancing the APEX at Ursinus initiative. Students will participate in collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects that provide experiential learning opportunities that will help prepare them for careers in science.
“This award allows Ursinus to build on the success of two prior NSF S-STEM awards,” said Rebecca Lyczak, Ph.D., professor of biology and associate dean for undergraduate studies. “As part of the program, PERSIST scholars will be paired with faculty mentors, will build community as an interdisciplinary STEM cohort, and will engage in experiential projects as a team. These impactful practices have been shown to improve student success in STEM.”
“PERSIST provides holistic student support by combining financial assistance with curricular and co-curricular cohort experiences that foster belonging and persistence in STEM programs,” added William Mongan, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics, computer science, and statistics. “By expanding faculty mentoring and collaborative instructional support, PERSIST addresses barriers to student success while preparing graduates for interdisciplinary, creative, and community-engaged efforts. We are excited to lead this transformational program and to see its lasting impact on our students.”
Students starting at Ursinus in the fall 2026 semester who meet the financial criteria will be invited to apply for the four-year S-STEM scholarships.
Read more about Ursinus’ STEM scholarships at Ursinus College.
