Pine Bluff, Arkansas — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has received an additional $512,000 in federal funding to expand research opportunities for faculty and support hands-on training for graduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
University officials announced Wednesday that the money will fund 20 research projects and 27 graduate student apprenticeships. The one-year award began Oct. 1 and comes through the U.S. Department of Education’s Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program, known as MSEIP.
The award adds to UAPB’s existing G-STEM grant, a six-year funding commitment totaling $6 million. Officials said the supplemental funding recognizes the university’s strong performance under that grant and gives the school more resources to build on work already underway.
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For graduate students, the apprenticeships provide opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in a research setting. Faculty members will also receive support for research projects, bringing both student training and faculty work into the scope of the additional funding.
“Graduate apprenticeships give students opportunities to put their knowledge to work, deepen their research skills and prepare for what comes next,” Chancellor Anthony Graham said. “Alongside support for faculty research, this funding strengthens the discovery and hands-on learning that are central to the UAPB experience.”
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The federal program behind the award supports long-term improvements in science and engineering education at institutions that predominantly serve minority students. Another goal is to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who pursue careers in science and technology.
At UAPB, the supplemental award connects those goals with support for specific research projects and graduate apprenticeships. The funding covers a single year, while the broader G-STEM grant provides the university with a six-year framework for its work.
With 20 projects and 27 apprenticeships receiving support, the additional money will extend the research and learning opportunities available through the university’s existing STEM efforts.
