The ASPIRE project provides scholarships to support academically talented students with demonstrated financial need in attaining baccalaureate degrees in STEM at Johnson C. Smith University. In addition to scholarship aid, students are being supported through such activities as early involvement in undergraduate research driven by community challenges and a STEM mentoring network which includes peers, faculty, alumni and local industry professionals. The intellectual merit of this project lies in the well-conceived plan that leverages financial support for students with new activities and existing resources at this historically black college. The combination provides comprehensive support for the STEM scholars, in many cases shortening time to degree. The broader impacts include connecting talented graduates with the STEM workforce and graduate programs, as well as providing a well-assessed model for similar institutions in the region and beyond.
