Monday, November 8, 2021
Media Contact:
Mack Burke | Editorial Coordinator | 405-744-5540 | [email protected]
Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT)
has been awarded the largest university grant in the National Defense Education Program
from the U.S. Department of Defense.
The $6 million grant, which will be administered over the next four years by the United
States Department of Defense (DoD), is for the development and implementation of additional
STEM education programs for schools with economically disadvantaged or underrepresented
students
The goal is to create a pathway for successful careers in engineering and innovation.
At a special announcement ceremony Monday morning at OSU DISCOVERY in Oklahoma City,
OSU President Kayse Shrum welcomed Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK3), Oklahoma City Public
Schools Superintendent Sean McDaniel, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex Director
Wade Wolfe, as well as representatives for Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford and
Rep. Stephanie Bice.
Dr. Shrum said it was fitting to make the announcement on National STEM Day.
“As the former Secretary of Science and Innovation, I know the value of a strong STEM
workforce to the state of Oklahoma,” she said. “As I served, I had the opportunity
to go around and visit with many CEOs and I heard repeatedly that the most important
thing they are looking for when expanding their businesses or relocating is a qualified
workforce. … Having a qualified STEM workforce means early engagement with our young
students.
“Today’s announcement is an example of the commitment Oklahoma State University has
to STEM education. As we move forward, we are committed to developing a multidisciplinary,
collaborative center that can serve the needs of the state, developing a robust pipeline
for students entering STEM careers. I am very excited about [this grant], because
it provides an opportunity for early engagement and introduces engineering and other
STEM fields to students in middle school as well as high school. Students at Millwood,
Mid-Del and Oklahoma City Public Schools, and students across the state in other school
districts will have the opportunity to experience this grant and the opportunity to
have mentorship. I personally, as a first-generation college student who also entered
into a STEM career, appreciate the value of teaching young students the joy of discovery
through science, technology, engineering and math.”
Students from ASTEC Charter School do hands-on STEM learning at OSU DISCOVERY in Oklahoma
City.
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