Monmouth College has been awarded nearly $1 million by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to launch an ambitious new program aimed at increasing the success of Pell Grant eligible students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The $999,764 grant, part of the NSF’s competitive Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program, will fund the College’s new FLASH initiative-Focus on Learning for All with STEM as a Home. Over six years, the program will provide scholarships and robust academic and career support to approximately 15 academically talented students with exceptional financial need, as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. This opportunity will include transfer students from community colleges beginning in the fall of 2026 scholarship cycle.
The application for the Fall 2025 scholarship will be open on April 15th and student eligibility requirements include:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- PELL Grant eligibility
- Must be an incoming freshman
- Must be interested in a STEM major at Monmouth College
“This award is a transformative investment in our students and in the region,” said Dr. Laura Moore, principal investigator and Professor of Chemistry at Monmouth College. “The FLASH program will open doors for students who have the talent but may not have the means to pursue a STEM education and it will also provide the support systems necessary to help them thrive.”
The program targets students majoring in eight disciplines across four departments: mathematics and computer science; biology and neuroscience; biochemistry and chemistry; and physics and engineering. Selected scholars could receive up to $15,000 per year in scholarships and participate in intensive mentorship, undergraduate research, and professional development opportunities.
Community STEM Pipeline
FLASH is especially focused on increasing STEM participation among rural students with exceptional financial need, a population historically underrepresented in these fields. “Monmouth College’s strong ties with regional high schools, community colleges, and growing partnerships with STEM employers in many disciplines and national laboratories, make us uniquely positioned to build a local pipeline of talented STEM professionals and support economically disadvantaged students,” said co-principal investigator and Monmouth College Physics Professor, Dr. Chris Fasano.
Aside from scholarship, the program will include outreach to local high schools, the opportunity to participate in a paid 8-week summer research program one summer during college, the opportunity to participate in the SOFIA summer research program, opportunities to attend professional STEM conferences, mentorship from faculty, upperclassmen and other STEM professionals, and support from Monmouth College’s Wackerle Center for Career Leadership. Scholars will also serve as STEM Ambassadors, engaging in science communication and outreach in local communities.
“FLASH is about more than financial support-it’s about creating a strong, supportive community where students from all backgrounds can see themselves thriving in STEM,” said Dr. Robert Utterback, co-principal investigator and Associate Professor of Computer Science.
Measuring Impact and Contributing to National Research
Beyond individual student support, FLASH includes a rigorous evaluation component that will contribute to national research on student success in STEM. By analyzing how mentorship, research, and a strong sense of belonging affect outcomes, the program aims to inform best practices for similar institutions.
“This project is designed not just to support our students, it will also help build knowledge about what works in STEM education for underserved populations,” said Dr. Janet Ugolino, co-principal investigator and Assistant Professor of Biology.
A Lasting Legacy
FLASH builds on Monmouth College’s continued emphasis on STEM and is the latest in a series of strategic investments by Monmouth College to expand access to high-impact STEM education and to prepare students for in-demand careers in the region and beyond.
“This is about creating lasting change, not just for individual students, but for the communities we serve and the industries that need their talents,” said Monmouth College President Dr. Patricia Draves. “This award reflects the work of our outstanding STEM professors and furthers Monmouth College as a leader in STEM education.”
Eligible students will receive information from the FLASH S-STEM Coordinators about the application process for Fall 2025. Information about applying for the Fall 2026 cohort will be shared in the coming months.
***Courtesy of Keri Dodson, Monmouth College***
