TAMIU Receives $749,120 Grant for Minority Science, Engineering Improvement

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) has been named the recipient of a US Department of Education Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) three-year grant for $749,120 for its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Minority Outreach and Retention Enhancement Program (STEM-MORE).

The Program aims to increase the number of minority students, attaining STEM degrees by: increasing the number of students entering STEM majors by 20% each year of the program; achieving an 85% retention rate for project participants and increasing the five-year STEM major graduation rate from below 30%, to 46%.

The Program is delivered through the implementation of vigorous and cost-effective outreach and retention activities, including outreach and enrichment workshops, experiential training, undergraduate research experiences, student mentoring and faculty professional development.

Dr. Rafic Bachnak, TAMIU professor and chair of the College of Arts and Sciences’ department of engineering, mathematics and physics, is the Program’s developer and director.

Dr. Bachnak said the Program has national implications.

“Increasing the participation of TAMIU students in the proposed activities is critical to broadening diversity in the sciences and enhancing the nation’s technological and economic competitiveness,” he observed.

For additional information, contact Bachnak at 326.2408, email rbachnak@tamiu.edu, visit offices in Dr. Billy F. Cowart Hall, room 303 or click on tamiu.edu.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu