Pine Bluff university receives $512,000 for STEM research and apprenticeships

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff received $512,000 in supplemental federal funding, officials said Wednesday. The money will support faculty research and graduate student apprenticeships. The funds support 20 research projects and 27 apprenticeships in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The one-year award began Oct. 1 through the U.S. Department of Education’s Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program. This program is known as MSEIP. It aims to increase the number of underrepresented students in science and technology careers, officials said.

Chancellor Anthony Graham welcomed the investment in campus programs.

“Graduate apprenticeships give students opportunities to put their knowledge to work, deepen their research skills and prepare for what comes next. Alongside support for faculty research, this funding strengthens the discovery and hands-on learning that are central to the UAPB experience.”

The money supplements the Pine Bluff school’s existing G-STEM six-year $6 million grant, officials said. The supplemental award recognizes the school’s performance under G-STEM. It provides additional resources to build on that work.

MSEIP supports improvements in science and engineering education at predominantly minority institutions. The federal effort provides grants to universities across the country.

Officials confirmed the award will fund projects at the Pine Bluff campus throughout the coming year.