Benedictine University (BenU) has been awarded a $1.58 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program. This highly competitive award will fund the creation of BenSTEMS: Empowering Futures in STEM through Academic, Social, and Financial Supports, a comprehensive initiative that will strengthen support systems for undergraduate students pursuing degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.
Over the next five years, the BenSTEMS program will provide scholarships, mentoring, leadership opportunities, career-readiness programming, and research experiences to academically talented students with significant financial need. By addressing both financial difficulties and the academic “chokepoints” that often hinder student success in STEM, the initiative seeks to expand access, improve retention and graduation rates, and prepare graduates to thrive in high-demand fields.
“With BenSTEMS, we are not only investing in our students’ futures but also advancing the University’s mission by supporting those students with the greatest financial need,” said Darya Aleinikava, PhD, Professor of Physics and Principal Investigator on the grant. “We are creating pathways for talented young scientists and engineers who might otherwise be unable to pursue their aspirations.”
The BenSTEMS program builds on Benedictine University’s long-standing strengths in science education, combining its liberal arts foundation, Catholic intellectual tradition, and commitment to inclusive excellence. Students in the program will benefit from a cohort-based model that emphasizes community building, peer mentoring, faculty engagement, and opportunities to connect with alumni and industry partners.
Beginning in their first year, participants will be supported through tailored coursework, professional development workshops, and access to undergraduate research projects at BenU and partner institutions, including regional national laboratories and industry sites.
A distinctive element of the grant is its research and evaluation component, which will study the impact of combining financial support with academic and social interventions. The findings will not only inform future programming at Benedictine University but also contribute to the national conversation on how to better support students from low-income backgrounds in completing STEM degrees.
“This grant represents a transformative investment in our students,” said Kate Lang, PhD, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Through BenSTEMS, BenU will be able to reduce financial obstacles, foster a sense of community, and prepare the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers who will make a difference in society.”
By equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and professional networks they need to succeed, BenSTEMS will help ensure that Benedictine University graduates are well-prepared for careers in research, technology, engineering, education, and other high-demand areas where STEM expertise is vital.
Stay tuned for more information about BenSTEMS and how to apply.
