Media Release
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY
DATE: September 17, 2007
CONTACT: Bob Embrey, (206) 878-3972
Lisa Skari, (206)
870-3705
Highline Receives Major Scholarship Funding
DES MOINES, Wash. — On September 11, 2007, the
National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded Highline Community College $599,968
to provide scholarships to students majoring in math and science. Students who are eligible for financial aid may
receive up to $5,265 per year through the new Science Scholars Program (SSP)
beginning with the 2007-2008 academic year.
“These scholarships will make a
tremendous difference in creating access and motivation for our students”, said Highline Interim President Jack
Bermingham, PhD.
Students pursuing careers in astronomy,
biology, biotechnology, botany, chemistry, environmental science, geology,
marine science, oceanography, and physics will receive scholarship awards.
Computer science, engineering, and mathematics scholarships are available under
a separate NSF award.
The new grant is part of a larger effort by NSF
to increase to the number of math and science graduates nationwide. Highline’s excellent stewardship of an
ongoing $400,000 scholarship grant for engineering students paved the way for
the new project award, which makes scholarships available for every degree
program offered in the Pure and Applied Sciences Division.
“This grant is another excellent reflection on
faculty leadership and initiative at Highline,” Bermingham added. The project, entitled "Science Scholars
Program (SSP)," is under the direction of Tina Ostrander, Eric Baer,
Gregory Reinemer, Jeff Owens, and Robert Embrey.
The grant award is one of about 90 new awards
that will be made by the NSF Division of Undergraduate Education this year. These
awards are a result of the evaluation of 249 proposals submitted in February
2007. Thus, the Highline project is in a select group nationwide.
Along with enriching educational opportunities
for students, the grant will strengthen relationships with area K-12 school
districts, institutions of higher education, and employers of science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics students.
The award is effective September 15, 2007 and
expires August 31, 2011.
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