Alfred State College (ASC) has been awarded a $2 million National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (NSF S-STEM) grant to support high-achieving engineering technology students who demonstrate financial need.
The six-year grant, titled “Pathways to Success: Supporting Undergraduate Students at a Rural College of Technology,” will provide scholarship assistance and wraparound academic, professional, and mentoring support designed to help eligible students persist, graduate, and move confidently into high-demand STEM careers.
The award represents an investment in Alfred State and reflects the college’s strong alignment with national priorities around career readiness, workforce development, access to STEM education, and student success.
“We are excited and appreciative to receive this grant,” commented Vice President for Academic Affairs Carrie Cokely. “It will provide meaningful opportunities for high-achieving students who demonstrate financial need to focus on their studies, build professional skills, and prepare for successful careers in engineering technology.”
The grant will support a cohort-based model that includes scholarship assistance, a living-learning community, a one-credit Pathways STEM Skill Building course, tutoring, mentoring, professional development, conference participation, and support for professional licenses and certifications. The program will also strengthen and expand connections between students, faculty, peer mentors, professional mentors, and industry partners.
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology Department Chair Aric Bryant worked with Civil Engineering Technology Associate Professor Dr. Maryam Tabatabaei and Associate Vice President for Grants and Contracts Donna Green to secure the grant.
The Pathways to Success project is designed to remove barriers that can prevent talented students from completing engineering technology degrees. By combining financial support with intentional academic and professional engagement, the program will help students develop a stronger sense of belonging, confidence in their abilities, and a clear pathway from college to career.
Bryant added, “The NSF S-STEM grant is an outstanding opportunity for Alfred State to invest in the future of engineering technology by providing opportunity to students through research focused best practices, hands-on learning, and the continued dedication of the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology and the Civil Engineering Technology faculty to the success of students."
Alfred State’s engineering technology programs are known for hands-on, applied learning that prepares graduates to enter the workforce with the skills employers need. Through this grant, students will have increased access to mentoring, industry engagement, career-focused experiences, and credentials that can make them more competitive in the job market.
Graduates of the Pathways to Success program will be prepared to become leaders in their fields while supporting regional, state, and national workforce needs in STEM. The project will also create opportunities for faculty and students to share best practices and outcomes through professional development, presentations, and conference participation.