Mónica Bugallo and her team awarded $2 Million NSF grant to help Disadvantaged ECE Students
Professor Mónica Bugallo
Professor Mónica Bugallo and Stony Brook University has launched an ambitious initiative to remove obstacles in STEM education, backed by a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The funding will provide scholarships for at least 30 low-income students pursuing degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) over the next five years.
These scholarships are designed to significantly alleviate financial burdens, allowing recipients to focus on their studies by covering the equivalent of over 20 hours of weekly work. The program aims to support students throughout their undergraduate journey, with an eye toward long-term impact and the potential to attract further support from donors.
In addition to financial aid, the program incorporates a range of initiatives to ensure student success. These include financial literacy education, mentoring for career readiness, networking opportunities, and community-building activities. The structured support will help students engage with peers, faculty, and industry professionals, fostering meaningful connections that enhance their academic and professional development.
One of the program's key components involves pairing students with mentors from the industry. This approach is designed to expose students to real-world career opportunities and establish professional networks, bridging the gap between academic learning and career aspirations.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving several departments at Stony Brook University, including the Career Center, Educational and Institutional Effectiveness, Enrollment Management, and faculty from the Department of Psychology. Social science researchers are tasked with evaluating the program’s effectiveness, analyzing how various components contribute to student success. Insights from this research will guide refinements and expansion of the initiative, ensuring it addresses the unique needs and strengths of participants.
The overarching goal of the program is to create a ripple effect that extends beyond individual students to their families and communities. By equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to achieve their career aspirations, the initiative seeks to break systemic barriers to higher education and foster upward mobility.
Through its multifaceted approach, Stony Brook University reaffirms its commitment to social mobility and transformative education, creating pathways for students and their families to thrive in a competitive and ever-evolving workforce.