SIU to receive $2.2 million National Science Foundation grant

Southern Illinois University officials learned this week that the school will receive a $2.2 million National Science Foundation (NSF) funding award.

Congressman Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, made the announcement formal Wednesday.

He said the funding will improve educational practices of STEM teacher leaders through engaging activities, targeted mentoring and a partnership with the Science Center of Carbondale.

"This grant is a big win for SIU and for the surrounding community," Bost said. "It will serve as a vitally important resource to STEM teachers so that our young people today are prepared for the careers of tomorrow."

SIU Chancellor Carlo Montemagno said the grant will help ensure that high school students in Southern Illinois learn about the STEM fields - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - from master teachers.

"I applaud Dr. Karen Renzaglia and her team for their leadership on the grant, and I thank Congressman Bost for his ongoing support," Montemagno said. "We are pleased that our expertise in the STEM fields continues to be recognized nationally."

Through professional development, mentoring, science literacy, and research opportunities, master teaching fellows will lead their schools and districts to improve STEM education for thousands of underserved students in the region.

Leadership development will be systematically incorporated into each year of the program with focus on the environment, sustainability, energy, toxicology and waste management.