WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $1,000,000 from the National Science Foundation for the West Virginia University Research Corporation. The project is a coordinated effort to extend resources to rural students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines and will support high-achieving, low-income students with demonstrated financial need at West Virginia University. Specifically, this project will provide 20 scholarships to support rural Appalachian students majoring in Computational Physics. The scholarship places an emphasis on helping disadvantaged students build the study skills and personal connections for academic success and further career development. 

“A STEM education is critical in the 21st century digital economy,” Senator Capito said. “Young West Virginians and other youth in Appalachia should have every opportunity to receive a world-class education in the STEM fields, no matter their circumstances. This funding will help provide low-income students with the funding and skills necessary to be successful in a college setting, paving the way for future success.” 

“Investing in West Virginia’s future requires investing in our students,” Senator Manchin said. “These scholarships will cultivate the next generation of STEM professionals in our state and provide opportunities to students who may not have had access before. I am proud to see this investment in West Virginia’s young people and, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for these resources.” 

 

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