Cleveland State University’s ongoing efforts to provide enhanced financial, educational and mentoring support to students has earned national recognition. The university’s Operation STEM, a comprehensive engagement and support initiative for students pursuing technical degrees, has won an Excellence in STEM Education Award presented by the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Convention (STEMCon). The award will be presented at the organization’s annual conference to be held in Cleveland, April 8.

“STEM education is central to creating the workforce necessary for the 21^st Century digital economy, and we are honored to be recognized for our work to improve STEM delivery” said John Holcomb, Chair of CSU’s Department of Mathematics and director of Operation STEM. “We would like to thank STEMCon for this prestigious recognition and for all it does to enhance best practices and programming in STEM education.”

Funded by the National Science Foundation, Operation STEM seeks to create a supportive environment to assist students in STEM majors in succeeding in the classroom while also offering research and experiential learning opportunities that provide a better understanding of the potential of a career in science and technology. The program includes a summer institute for incoming freshmen, semester stipends, peer and faculty mentoring, enrichment workshops featuring current STEM practitioners and access to undergraduate research opportunities.

The Excellence in STEM Education Awards recognize individuals and institutions making outstanding contributions to the promotion of quality STEM education and preparing the next generation of doctors, engineers, mathematicians, and computer scientists. STEMCon is a national non-profit which seeks to fully equip students with the skills they need for success in the 21st century economy. Its annual conference, “Best STEM Practices for the Next Generation,” will focus on early childhood development, teacher preparation, post-high school paths to STEM careers and increasing STEM access.

About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for Engaged Learning. With 17,000-plus students, nine colleges and more than 175 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2016 as one of America’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report. Find more information at www.csuohio.edu.

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