Alverno College Receives Nearly $750,000 in Funding From NASA to Increase Retention of Women in STEM Degree Programs

Alverno College has been given a three-year, $746,947 award by NASA to research and develop strategies to increase retention of women in STEM degree programs and fields. Alverno is one of only seven institutions to receive this funding.

“There is a significant gender gap in STEM, in both education and the workforce,” said Jeanie Lucy, OD, PhD, MPH, MS, FAAO, dean of Alverno College’s School of Arts and Sciences and principal investigator for the project. “Increasing the number of women in STEM is crucial to bringing new ideas and different perspectives to the table, paving the way for better innovation. We are thrilled to continue our work in this area, and honored to be chosen for this award.”

NASA is awarding more than $5 million in funding to women’s colleges and universities as part of its Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) in order to help women overcome obstacles to working in fields of science, technology, engineering and math. This award seeks to address the significant national gender gap and disparate experiences of women in STEM in the United States, both in higher education and the workforce. After completion of the program, Alverno has the opportunity to renew funding for an additional two years.

Thirty-four women’s colleges were invited to apply for funding, and Alverno is the only one in the region to receive an award. It is also the only minority-serving institution selected.

“This is a very exciting first; we’re making strides to close the pervasive gender gap in STEM, and Women’s Colleges and Universities are well-positioned to help drive that positive change,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, a graduate from Wellesley College. “It’s more important than ever we have brilliant, enthusiastic people entering the workforce and ready to take on the ambitious plans and challenges ahead.”

Other institutions selected for funding include:

• Agnes Scott College, Decatur, Georgia
• Cedar Crest College, Allentown, Pennsylvania
• College of Saint Mary, Omaha, Nebraska
• Salem Academy and College, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
• Simmons University, Boston
• Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts

MUREP is administered by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM), which creates opportunities for students to contribute to the agency’s work and grow their confidence in STEM. For more information about OSTEM, visit https://stem.nasa.gov.