California State University, Dominguez Hills has received a $20,000 grant from the Alcoa Foundation to provide scholarships to undergraduate students majoring in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)-related degree programs.
Recipients of the Alcoa STEM Scholarship will receive up to $5,000 each beginning in the spring 2012 semester. Given the annual cost to attend CSU Dominguez Hills currently is at $5,507 for full-time students, the Alcoa STEM Scholarship will allow its recipients to have a nearly tuition-free year, which will free them financially to focus on their coursework and progress to graduation. The scholarship will be open to junior and senior-level undergraduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who demonstrate financial need.
“The Alcoa STEM Scholarship will have a direct impact on student success,” said University President Mildred García. “By removing the economic obstacle for its recipients, this grant truly provides meaningful support and motivation for our diverse students in STEM to continue and complete their education.”
For the U.S. to be competitive and remain a leader globally, government officials cite the critical need to graduate more individuals with skills and knowledge in STEM fields. Considered a key sector for growth are Latinos, African Americans and women, which are historically underrepresented in the sciences. As one of the most diverse campuses in the West and in close proximity to STEM industry leaders, CSU Dominguez Hills is uniquely positioned to play a regional role in addressing this national problem. University administration has made expanding its offerings and attracting more students to STEM majors a goal of the recently adopted 2015 University Strategic Plan.
CSU Dominguez Hills’s undergraduate programs in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer sciences, and computer technology, geology, information systems, mathematics, and physics provide students with opportunities to work closely with faculty and participate in research and professional conferences. Students majoring in these programs are predominantly Latino or African American, and in many of the programs women outnumber men.
“We at Alcoa Carson are excited to be partnering with CSUDH science, technology, engineering and math degree programs,” said Bill Carrigan, director of operations at Alcoa Fastening Systems. “The diversity, inclusive learning environment and sustainability depicted at CSUDH very closely align with Alcoa values, and we are proud to support a forward and progressive group.”
Alcoa, a world leader in the manufacturing of aluminum has been behind major milestones in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, consumer electronics, and industrial markets during the past 120 years. Its Alcoa Fastening Systems unit, which designs and manufactures specialty fastening systems for aerospace and industrial applications, is headquartered in Carson.
About Alcoa Foundation – Alcoa Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the United States, with assets of approximately $436 million. Founded more than 50 years ago, Alcoa Foundation has invested more than $530 million since 1952. In 2010, Alcoa Foundation contributed nearly $20 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the world, focusing on promoting environmental stewardship, enabling economic and social sustainability, and preparing tomorrow’s leaders through education and learning. For more information, visit www.alcoa.com/foundation.
