IOWA LAKES RECEIVES GRANT FROM NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION TO ASSIST STUDENTS

Iowa Lakes students interested in careers in science, technology, engineering and math will benefit greatly from a new grant received from the National Science Foundation.

Iowa Lakes Community College received notification late last week that nearly $600,000 (over four years) will be available to students interested in pursuing careers in what are often referred to as STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math transfer and related career-focused degree program majors. That comes to as much as $4,000 per student.

The Infinity Scholars selected will annually receive financial assistance, academic support and career exploration. Up to 30 full-time Iowa Lakes students – and possibly more – will participate in this grant funded project (NSF DUE 0728539).

Iowa Lakes eligible, targeted, STEM degree programs include: Aviation, Biomass Energy Processing, Computer Aided Drafting and Design, Computer Forensics, Computer Science, Education Transfer (Math and Science focus), Engineering Transfer, Environmental Studies, Information Technology, Mathematics Transfer, Science Transfer, Sustainable Energy Resource Management, and Wind Energy and Turbine Technology.

Students enrolled in any of those programs are encouraged to contact the Institutional Advancement office of Iowa Lakes within the next week. They could be eligible for up to $4,000 per year through this scholarship opportunity. Beth Kraft of the Institutional Advancement office is coordinating the application process. She can be reached at (712) 362-0410 or bkraft@iowalakes.edu.

"The students at Iowa Lakes will benefit from this NSF grant," said Dr. Harold Prior, President of Iowa Lakes. "The new internships available to our general education students will positively impact their college experience."

Applicants are urged to act immediately as recipients need to be identified prior to the start of the college year.

"Individuals who have not made a final college decision will also be considered for these grants; however they will need to act fast," said Jolene Rogers, Grants Coordinator for the college.