MOBILE, Ala., December 13, 2025 – Bishop State Community College has secured a $315,950 STEM STARs grant, which will provide scholarships and academic support to help Bishop State students overcome barriers in math-intensive courses and successfully transfer into engineering programs. This grant is a collaborative effort with the University of South Alabama and Coastal Alabama Community College and is funded by the National Science Foundation.
“The STEM STARs grant is a game-changer for our students,” says math instructor Amy Shaw. “Many talented individuals struggle with advanced math courses, and this funding gives us the tools to support them every step of the way. It’s about more than scholarships. It’s about building confidence and creating opportunities for students who dream of becoming engineers."
Through this initiative, Bishop State students will complete their math and general education courses at Bishop State before transferring to the University of South Alabama to pursue engineering degrees. The program specifically targets students enrolled in pre-calculus and calculus courses, which are often critical hurdles for prospective engineering majors.
“At Bishop State, we are committed to removing barriers and opening doors for our students,” says Vice President of Instructional Services Dr. Khalilah Burton. “This partnership reflects our dedication to collaboration and student success. By investing in STEM education, we are investing in the future workforce of our region."
The STEM STARs program will officially launch in February 2026, offering resources designed to build persistence and confidence in math-intensive fields. For more information about the STEM STARs program and scholarship opportunities, contact Amy Shaw at Ashaw@bishop.edu.