Feds award KCK college $745K+ to boost 30 low-income STEM students working toward biology degrees

A National Science Foundation grant is expected to support the retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income STEM students, said U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, announcing the award.

Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) is set to receive $745,635 to fund scholarships — over the next five years — for 30 full-time students who are pursuing a degree with a biology emphasis, Davids detailed.

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas

“As someone who worked multiple jobs to help pay my way through community college, I understand the huge difference this scholarship will make for these 30 KCKCC students,” she said. “I’m excited for the new support and mentorship opportunities the students will receive and applaud KCKCC’s dedication to diversifying their academic programs.”

The funding announced Thursday benefits KCKCC’s Building Biologists Using Assets for Scholar Success project, which works to increase graduation rates and pathways to the STEM workforce by linking scholarships with effective support services for low-income students.

The program’s services include mentoring, undergraduate research experiences, internship opportunities, and participation in presentations and workshops that showcase the demands and rewards of a career in STEM.

Click here to learn more about KCKCC’s award and the Building Biologists Using Assets for Scholar Success project.

 “Kansas City Kansas Community College is excited to boost biology careers through student scholarships provided by the National Science Foundation grant,” said Dr. Greg Mosier, president of KCKCC. “This is an important opportunity to advance STEM careers in the state. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this initiative.”

Sharice Davids tours KCKCC’s Automation Engineering Technology Program in March; photo courtesy of Sharice Davids’ Office

In August, Davids announced a similar NSF award of $1.4 million for Johnson County Community College’s STEM Scholars Program. The effort shares the mission of KCKCC’s — supporting low-income, high-achieving students in the STEM field, according to Davids’ office.

Other funding support for education and STEM workforce in the Kansas Third District includes previously announced federal funding to improve college readiness through KCKCC’s Upward Bound program and securing $1.9 million for their Automation Engineering Technology Program, allowing students to train on new, real-life automation equipment as they prepare to enter the manufacturing workforce.