KBIA: Truman State Receives Record Grant (2004-10-04)

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Truman State Receives Record Grant

KBIA Newsroom (2004-10-04)

COLUMBIA, MO (KBIA) - Truman State University has been awarded the largest grant in the school's history. Truman will receive $2 million dollars from the Naitonal Science Foundation. The grant will fund the STEP Program which focuses on talent expansion in science, technology, engineering, and matematics.

Professor Jeffery Osborn who will serve as the director of the STEP Program says the ultimate goal is to increase the number of students who complete a bachelor's degree in those fields.

Undergraduate students in science and math areas will work with faculty members in a mentored relationship and they will become deeply invested in an original research project, thereby sort of apprenticing what it's like to become a scientist or mathematician; enhancing their education in a major way.

The grant also will enhance Truman's collaborative relationship with a few Missouri Community Colleges. Osborn says the school plans to attract and ensure the success of transfer students through forgivable loans, faculty mentors, and research experience. © Copyright 2010, KBIA