As demand grows for skilled engineers and technicians to power Rhode Island's advanced manufacturing, marine, and clean energy sectors, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02) and Gabe Amo (RI-01) announced $4,619,389 of federal funding awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to the University of Rhode Island, in partnership with the Community College of Rhode Island, to support scholarships for high-achieving, low-income students pursuing degrees in engineering and engineering technology.

The program stands to benefit workforce development across multiple sectors, including Rhode Island's blue economy and advanced manufacturing industry. It is set to begin in January.

“This is a wise investment in individuals, Rhode Island’s workforce, and American science and engineering expertise, which is increasingly critical for our economy and national defense. Helping smart kids afford an engineering degree is a win-win. They get the skills that put them on promising career pathways for critical, in-demand jobs and America stays competitive,” said Senator Reed.

“Rhode Island’s institutions of higher education are on the leading edge of STEM innovation and help power the Ocean State’s economic competitiveness,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This federal funding will create opportunities for deserving Rhode Island students to follow their dreams at URI and CCRI.”

"Rhode Island needs more engineers, and this funding will help make sure that talented students across our state have a real shot at that career, no matter their financial background," said Rep. Magaziner. "I am  proud to work alongside the Rhode Island Congressional delegation to deliver the funding needed to support workforce training here in the Ocean State.”

"I'm proud to work alongside our Rhode Island Delegation to expand opportunity for talented students at the University of Rhode Island and the Community College of Rhode Island,” said Rep. Amo. "This federal funding will remove financial barriers for students and set them up for good-paying engineering jobs that will power Rhode Island's economy of tomorrow."

“This project will help reduce the financial burden for students pursuing an engineering degree and, ultimately, the amount of debt they may carry after graduation,” said Vinka Craver, associate dean for research at URI’s College of Engineering and Principal Investigator on the NSF grant. “But the program goes beyond financial support. From their first year, students will have access to faculty and industry mentors and opportunities to participate in internships and capstone projects, helping them build the experience and connections they need to be better prepared for their professional careers.”

"Cost should never stand between a talented student and their future. This grant makes that future possible for Rhode Island students pursuing degrees in engineering and engineering technology. Through our partnership with URI, we're building a talent pipeline into the advanced manufacturing, marine, and clean energy jobs that are shaping Rhode Island's economy,” said Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN, president of the Community College of Rhode Island. “I'm grateful to Senators Reed and Whitehouse and Representatives Magaziner and Amo for their continued investment in our students and our state's workforce future."

A total of 116 scholars pursuing associate's degrees in engineering technology at CCRI and bachelor's degrees in engineering and engineering technology at URI will receive scholarships for up to five years, along with mentoring and other support services designed to improve retention and graduation rates.

The award is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of NSF's Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program, which supports the retention and graduation of academically talented, low-income students with demonstrated financial need in STEM fields. The project, entitled "Collaborative Research: Advancing Pathways through a Multi-Institutional Consortium for Engineering Education and Workforce Development," will be evaluated on an ongoing basis to help identify effective strategies for supporting low-income students in STEM.