Foster Announces Funding for Aurora University to Expand STEM Education

Aurora, IL – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that the National Science Foundation awarded $1,449,994 to Aurora University for their Community Network Practices to Cultivate Resilient STEM Educators project. In an effort to help address the shortage of high-quality STEM teachers nationwide, this project will recruit, prepare, and support high-achieving secondary STEM education students from local institutions.

“I’m thrilled that the National Science Foundation awarded Aurora University nearly $1.5 million to help recruit future STEM students and educators,” said Foster. “As a scientist, I’ve always advocated for more resources to help increase awareness of STEM careers. This project will not only prepare the next generation of STEM leaders, but also equip local students with the tools they need to thrive in our STEM-based economy.”

"We are deeply honored to receive this generous grant. Aurora University has a long history of educating outstanding teachers, and this funding will help us dramatically increase scholarships and expand recruitment efforts to prepare more students to teach high school math and science. As an institution that serves diverse populations, we work hard to provide opportunities for low-income and first-generation college students to enter STEM fields and bring culturally relevant experiences to the classroom, in particular to high-need school districts and schools serving Hispanic students. We are thrilled with the opportunity this grant allows us to expand this important work,” said Andrew Prall, PhD, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Aurora University.

More information on the grant can be found here.