News

Fort Valley State University Awarded $555,500 to Strengthen STEM Student Success

Posted on Oct 15, 2026

FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University (FVSU) has been awarded $555,500 from the U.S. Department of Education through the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) to strengthen student success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and expand opportunities for undergraduate research and faculty development. 

The one-year award, running from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027, will support Advancing STEM Retention and Faculty Innovation at Fort Valley State University, an initiative led by Eyualem Abebe, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The initiative builds on FVSU’s existing Title III, Part F program, funded through the FUTURE Act, and will serve nearly 600 students through targeted academic support, research opportunities and a summer bridge experience, while also investing in faculty innovation. 

The initiative includes four key components: 

Academic Intervention: Students experiencing academic challenges in key courses, including mathematics, biology and English, will receive targeted support from their instructors and trained peer tutors before the semester ends. The goal is to help students address academic challenges and stay on track toward academic success. 

Undergraduate Research Experience: Twenty students will participate in a paid, mentored research experience during the spring and summer 2027 terms, working alongside faculty mentors to strengthen their research skills and deepen their academic engagement. 

Summer Bridge Program: Sixty incoming first-year students will participate in an intensive, two-week, on-campus program designed to prepare them for the academic expectations of college before beginning their first semester. 

Core AI Faculty Fellows: Ten faculty members will receive training on thoughtfully integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their courses. Participants will also share their knowledge and experiences with colleagues to encourage broader adoption of effective teaching practices across campus. 

“I am genuinely excited about the impact this funding will have on our institution,” Abebe said. “These resources will help us strengthen student success initiatives, expand undergraduate research opportunities, support faculty innovation, and advance the important work we are doing to move Fort Valley State University forward.” 

The award reinforces FVSU’s ongoing commitment to student achievement, hands-on learning and innovative teaching. Through targeted academic interventions, expanded research opportunities and faculty development, the university will continue working to create pathways for students to thrive in STEM disciplines and prepare for future academic and professional success.

  • Tags:
  • Faculty
RSS