Athens State Receives $2M Grant to Support STEM Students

Scholarships and mentorship program aims to boost STEM degree completion among low-income, high-achieving undergraduates.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Athens State University has been awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation to help increase STEM degree completion among low-income, high-achieving undergraduates. The funding will provide 28 scholarships of up to $15,000 each for students majoring in STEM fields over the six-year grant period, along with mentoring from faculty, peers, and community members.

Why it matters

This grant will help address the need for more STEM graduates, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, to fill vital roles in the local and regional economy. Providing financial support and mentorship can make a significant difference in helping low-income students succeed in STEM fields.

The details

The grant will fund 14 scholarships per year for students pursuing degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or Mathematics at Athens State's College of Arts and Sciences. In addition to the financial aid, scholarship recipients will receive mentoring from faculty, peers, and community members, as well as access to virtual seminars, tutoring, and a STEM-focused orientation course.

  • The grant will begin in Fall 2026 and run for six years.

The players

Athens State University

A public university located in Athens, Alabama that offers undergraduate and graduate programs.

U.S. National Science Foundation

An independent agency of the United States government that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering.

Dr. Shannon Pittman

Associate Professor of Biology at Athens State University and a key figure in securing the grant.

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What they’re saying

“We are pleased to receive this grant from the National Science Foundation and are excited about the opportunities it will create for Athens State STEM students. These funds will allow us to financially support and mentor students as they pursue STEM-related careers that are vital to our local and regional economy.”

— Dr. Shannon Pittman, Associate Professor of Biology (rocketcitynow.com)

What’s next

The first cohort of scholarship recipients will be selected and begin the program in Fall 2026.

The takeaway

This grant represents an important investment in developing the local STEM talent pipeline, providing both financial assistance and mentorship to help low-income, high-achieving students succeed in critical science and technology fields.