The School of Engineering has been awarded a grant for $1 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program to fund a scholarship program offering local community college students an opportunity to transfer to The Catholic University of America and complete their degree in engineering. The STEM TOP-CEE (Topping Out Commuter Transfer Student Engineering Education) Program will offer a two-year scholarship for exceptional low-income students from underrepresented communities, helping them earn a four-year college degree in engineering and build a career in STEM.
The first cohort of TOP-CEE Scholars will arrive in Fall 2025. Five students will receive $15,000 each year for the remaining two years it takes for them to complete their degree. Scholars must demonstrate academic excellence and pursue a degree in biomedical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science. Scholars are anticipated to be commuter students and to transfer enough credits from their community college to begin at the junior level at Catholic University. They will receive direct support from a team of mentors, consisting of their department chair, a junior faculty mentor, and a student peer mentor. These mentors will provide academic and career guidance, as well as leadership and mentorship, assisting with their transition into Catholic University’s community.
Dr. Rick Thompson, Associate Dean for Professional Programs, is the Principle Investigator on the NSF award, and developed the proposal with support from colleagues in University Advancement and the School of Engineering. Dr. Thompson set out to address significant gaps in educational attainment—specifically in engineering—for students from underrepresented communities in the region. He developed a distinct plan that creates a “pipeline” for community college students to earn a four-year engineering degree. Through addressing financial barriers and creating support systems that encourage student retention, the program will provide scholars an avenue to not only complete their degrees but to enter the workforce prepared to become leaders in their fields. A component of the grant will involve research into best practices for recruiting and supporting transfer students to ensure their academic success and career readiness.
“After receiving an announcement from one of the surrounding Community Colleges about their success with an S-STEM Grant, I realized that the School of Engineering had few local transfer students,” said Dr. Thompson. “After discussing this with other CUA S-STEM grant applicants, the plan for providing a local underrepresented student a mechanism to attend Catholic University was formed. I was then fortunate to find support from others surrounding the grant application process.”
In addition to supporting educational access initiatives, this program will help address the STEM workforce shortage in the region. Funding students from the local community will help educate this future work force and supply professionals to industries that need qualified engineers.
Beyond providing opportunities for scholars and the local community, this program will also diversify Catholic University’s student body, contributing to our academic and social community. Students will have the opportunity to learn from others and understand the challenges that individuals face from our underrepresented communities and why engaging in productive dialogue matters. This is especially important in engineering, because projects—both in the public and private sectors—often rely on inputs from many stakeholders and decisions can have major implications for communities and their residents. Learning how to engage in these kinds of dialogues is key for any successful engineer.
“We’re thrilled to have this support of NSF to allow us to recruit talented students from local community colleges to earn degrees here in engineering and computer science,” said Dean John Judge. “Providing a pathway for students who may not otherwise have been able to afford a degree from Catholic University will benefit these students, enrich our school community, and increase the talent pipeline for engineering employers – a ‘win-win-win’.”