(KY-3) joined 农夫导航 President Dr. Joseph J. McGowan at a news conference today to announce $600,000 in new federal funding for scholarships that promote studies in chemistry, physics, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
| Congressman John Yarmuth, left, presents a check to Bellarmine representatives (left to right) senior Jovan Andjelich, a physics student; Dr. Akhtar Mahmood, associate professor of physics; and Dr. Joseph J. McGowan, Bellarmine's president. |
鈥淪trategic investments in education are critical to our economic future,鈥� Congressman Yarmuth said. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud to support new scholarships at Bellarmine that will not only help prepare our local students for careers of the future, but will also create opportunities for them to lead the next generation of innovation and scientific breakthrough.鈥�
The primary goal of the federal funding is to increase the number of Bellarmine students majoring in chemistry, physics, technology, engineering, and mathematics 鈥� particularly students from underrepresented groups, such as women and minorities. This fall, Bellarmine enrolled 120 students majoring in those disciplines 鈥� which are part of the broader liberal arts curriculum the university offers.
鈥淭his grant allows some of the area鈥檚 brightest young minds in chemistry, physics, math, and technology to study those subjects as part of a well-rounded liberal arts education at Bellarmine, and to find jobs in the community after they graduate,鈥� McGowan said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to the for approving this grant, and I鈥檓 very appreciative of Congressman Yarmuth鈥檚 ongoing work to ensure the federal government continues to invest in higher education.鈥�
The total cost of the program is $2 million over five years, with the university providing the remaining matching funds. Federal funds are provided through the National Science Foundation, which is the primary federal investor in research and education dedicated to science and engineering.
The funding supports programs designed to ensure student success, including faculty mentoring, peer tutoring, career counseling, and other opportunities. Students who receive scholarships must maintain a minimum grade-point average and meet other academic requirements.
The program also supports building a stronger local workforce for the future, and students will have opportunities to collaborate with Louisville-based businesses during their time at the university.
鈥淭his NSF grant will have a considerable impact on our physics department and help us attract highly qualified students from Louisville and throughout the region,鈥� said Dr. Akhtar Mahmood, associate professor of physics at Bellarmine and the grant鈥檚 primary author. 鈥淭he scholarship recipients will all reside together on campus in a new living and learning community. We are developing a program for these scholars that offers significant academic support and opportunities to network with local employers and professionals in their field of study.鈥�
Prospective students interested in applying for one of the new scholarships can contact Bellarmine's at 800/274-4723 or admissions@bellarmine.edu.