CLEVELAND – Cleveland State University has been awarded two grants totaling $1.3 million from the National Science Foundation to increase the number of graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

One grant for $875,000 will help students complete their mathematics requirements including pre-calculus and calculus, which are needed to enter science and engineering fields. Many students who struggle with these courses early in their college years become discouraged and then abandon their intended major. The grant was one of only 22 awarded nationwide.

The new program will include summer math camps for graduating high school students entering CSU, supplemental instruction using Problem Based Learning methods for college freshmen and sophomores and a summer workshop for high school teachers to learn more about encouraging students to complete STEM fields.

"For many students, pre-calculus creates a roadblock to enter the majors in which they are most interested," said Meredith Bond, dean of the College of Science and Health Professions. "This program will play a significant role in helping more students complete STEM programs, especially those from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds."

A second grant totaling $450,000 from the NSF will provide scholarships to STEM students in financial need.

The tutoring program is expected to help 500 students annually, which will contribute significantly to the university's graduation and retention rates. The scholarship program is expected to assist 20 students each year with awards up to $10,000 per student.

About Cleveland State University
Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for Engaged Learning. With an enrollment of more than 17,500 students, eight colleges and approximately 200 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2012 as one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.