$1 million NSF grant helps high-achieving, low-income Clark students complete STEM degrees

For Immediate Release
August 8, 2024

Clark is one of six colleges nationwide to share $7.6 million from NSF to build a skilled semiconductor manufacturing workforce in partnership with Intel Corporation

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College was selected as one of six colleges nationwide to receive a $1 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance equitable STEM education and training opportunities that strengthen the nation's semiconductor workforce. This grant represents one piece of a previously announced 10-year collaboration between NSF and Intel Corporation that will invest $100 million to address semiconductor design and manufacturing challenges and workforce shortages.

A view of the STEM Building at Clark College with a vibrant sunset in the background, casting a warm glow across the sky

Specifically, Clark College will use this $999,973 grant award to expand low-income students' access to, and successful completion of, engineering and computer science degrees. Over its six-year duration, the project will combine a cohort-based support and academic preparation program, faculty mentoring, and scholarships to 48 undergraduate students pursuing associate degrees in engineering or computer science. The six-year grant period ends in 2030.

Because community colleges serve disproportionate numbers of students from groups underrepresented in STEM careers, the project has the potential to drive much-needed growth in the high-tech recruitment pipeline—while closing opportunity gaps. The overall goal of this project is to increase STEM degree completion for low-income, high-achieving undergraduates with demonstrated financial need.

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced the grant award on August 8.

Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards said, "Clark College is pleased to be a recipient of this NSF grant that will empower us to create an equity-centered sustainable workforce pathway for our low-income Engineering and Computer Science students." She added, "We are dedicated to training our local workforce to meet industry needs both now and in the future. We want to thank Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray for their efforts in supporting the CHIPS Act, and in boosting education and career opportunities for Clark College students."

Sen. Cantwell said, "We know that in Washington alone, we will have a shortage of 60,000 STEM workers by 2026. Today's award will help low-income engineering and computer science undergraduates at Clark College receive the scholarships, mentorship, and critical hands-on learning opportunities they need to become part of the STEM workforce of tomorrow."

A team of Clark students assemble their project and prepare to test it in the 2024 Engineering Competition

What this grant will provide over its six-year duration:

The project aims to create a sustainable model through developing structured onboarding curriculum, cultivating industry partnerships and industry projects, and establishing expectations of industry mentors and resources.

Tina Barsotti, who chairs the engineering department, is leading this grant project with Izad Khormaee, chair of the computer science department.

Barsotti said, "This NSF grant is poised to prepare 48 of our Clark College engineering and computer science students to partner with local industry, providing them with real-world projects in our region'ssemiconductor manufacturing industry. We are excited for this opportunity for our students to engage in project-based learning that enhances their skills, develops social capital, and builds a support for degree completion and future careers. We are thrilled about the opportunities this grant brings for our students and our community."

Learn more on the National Science Foundation award

About Clark College

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington's largest public institution of higher education. Serving up to 8,000 students per term, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor's and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education.

For additional information (media inquiries & photo requests):
Maureen Chan-Hefflin, Clark College Communications & Marketing
T: 360-992-2243 E: mhefflin@clark.edu