Empowering Future Engineers Through STEM Scholarships

Supporting student success and expanding STEM opportunities for future engineers

The Herff College of Engineering (HCOE) at the University of Memphis is expanding its efforts to support talented engineering students through a Track 2 S-STEM program, designed to provide financial assistance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. This initiative addresses both regional and national needs for skilled engineering graduates while fostering academic success and career readiness. Scholars will benefit from tailored workshops, faculty and peer mentoring, and engagement in the STEM Ambassador program, a K-12 outreach effort that enhances leadership and communication skills.

Over the next four years, the program will provide at least 30 scholarships per year, impacting a minimum of 50 unique recipients. Scholarship recipients are expected to achieve higher GPAs, complete more credit hours per semester, and graduate at significantly higher rates than their peers with similar academic and financial backgrounds. The program also aims to advance research on STEM identity development, exploring how it influences student confidence, academic success, and career aspirations.

Beyond direct scholarship recipients, the program will impact a broader community, including K-12 students and teachers who engage with STEM Ambassadors. With an estimated 3,000 students and 30 teachers benefiting from outreach efforts, this initiative extends beyond the university, inspiring future generations to pursue STEM careers. The findings from this project will also support institutions across Tennessee that have adopted the STEM Ambassador model, ensuring that more students statewide have access to impactful STEM education opportunities.

For more information contact Dr. Stephanie Ivey, professor of Civil Engineering and project PI, at ssalyers@memphis.edu.