Watch CBS News

Lawrence Tech Receives $300K STEM Grant

By Edward Cardenas

SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - Lawrence Technological University has received a $300,000 grant to increase diversity in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

The university was one of 20 universities and colleges nationwide, and the only one in Michigan, to receive the three-year grant from the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) initiative Teaching to Increase Diversity and Equity in STEM (TIDES).

"It is critically important for higher education to find ways to increase success in STEM fields for both women and all students from underserved communities," said AAC&U President Carol Geary Schneider, in a release.

University officials state the grant will fund the initiative "to support curriculum and faculty development activities to develop models for broader institutional change for the advancement of evidence-based and culturally competent teaching in STEM, particularly in the computer and information science domains."

Over the course of the three-year grant, Lawrence Tech will provide STEM faculty with opportunities to become proficient in incorporating culturally sensitive pedagogies into STEM courses; develop interdisciplinary courses that include the computer/information science disciplines; and engage in course implementation that is grounded in evidence-based pedagogies that are culturally sensitive.

"Course-based undergraduate research is an emerging approach to improve retention in STEM, especially for underrepresented minority and female students," said Assistant Professor Lior Shamir of LTU's Department of Mathematics and Computer, in a release. "Integrating research into undergraduate courses will significantly transform STEM education at LTU."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.