MSOE received its first ever S-STEM award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support retention, academic success and career pathways in mechanical engineering. The goal of this project is to increase STEM degree completion of low-income, high-achieving undergraduates with demonstrated financial need.

Over five years, the award will fund scholarships to 15 full-time mechanical engineering students and provide support structures that include social activities, peer tutoring, shadowing experiences, student-faculty interaction, career guidance and preparation for post-graduation plans.

Scholars have the opportunity to participate in high-impact practices such as Living-Learning Communities, mentorship, team building exercises, participation in professional organizations, career enhancement, industry shadowing, internships and undergraduate research. A strong industry component will facilitate scholar internships and career mentoring to help nurture engineering identity and increase the potential for the scholars to enter engineering careers.

S-STEM scholars will also serve as role models and mentors to high school and future potential students through events sponsored by the We Energies STEM Center at MSOE and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). Not only does this provide scholars with community outreach opportunities, it also strengthens the engineering talent pipeline. 

Dr. Subha Kumpaty, Mechanical Engineering Department, and Dr. Jan Fertig, HSC Department, serve as principal and co-principal of MSOE’s S-STEM program. The program will support MSOE’s strategic plan to build an inclusive community of experiential learners and set the standard for preparing leaders to solve the technological challenges of the 21st century.