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MONMOUTH, Ill. — Monmouth College has been awarded nearly $1 million in federal funding by the National Science Foundation to fund scholarships for low-income students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The $999,764 grant, awarded through the NSF’s competitive Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program, will support the college’s new FLASH initiative—Focus on Learning for All with STEM as a Home. Over the next six years, the program will provide scholarships and academic and career support to about 15 academically talented students with exceptional financial need.
“This award is a transformative investment in our students and in the region,” Dr. Laura Moore, principal investigator and professor of chemistry at Monmouth College, said in a press release. “The FLASH program will open doors for students who have the talent but may not have the means to pursue a STEM education and it will also provide the support systems necessary to help them thrive.”
Eligible students must be incoming freshmen with a minimum 3.0 GPA, Pell Grant eligibility, and an interest in a STEM major at Monmouth College. The application for the fall 2025 scholarship cycle will open on April 15. Beginning in fall 2026, the program will also accept transfer students from community colleges.
Selected scholars can receive up to $15,000 per year and participate in mentorship programs, undergraduate research, and professional development opportunities. The program will focus on eight disciplines across four departments: mathematics and computer science; biology and neuroscience; biochemistry and chemistry; and physics and engineering.
FLASH will also target rural students with exceptional financial need, a group historically underrepresented in STEM fields.
“Monmouth College’s strong ties with regional high schools, community colleges, and growing partnerships with STEM employers in many disciplines and national laboratories, make us uniquely positioned to build a local pipeline of talented STEM professionals and support economically disadvantaged students,” said Dr. Chris Fasano, co-principal investigator and physics professor at the College.
In addition to scholarships, FLASH scholars will have opportunities to participate in paid summer research, attend STEM conferences, and receive mentorship from faculty, upperclassmen and STEM professionals. Scholars will also serve as STEM Ambassadors, engaging in science communication and outreach in local communities.
“FLASH is about more than financial support—it’s about creating a strong, supportive community where students from all backgrounds can see themselves thriving in STEM,” said Dr. Robert Utterback, co-principal investigator and associate professor of computer science.
The program includes a research component that will contribute to national studies on improving STEM success for underserved populations.
“This project is designed not just to support our students, it will also help build knowledge about what works in STEM education for underserved populations,” said Dr. Janet Ugolino, co-principal investigator and assistant professor of biology.
Monmouth College President Dr. Patricia Draves said FLASH represents a continued commitment to expanding access to high-impact STEM education.
“This is about creating lasting change, not just for individual students, but for the communities we serve and the industries that need their talents,” said Draves. “This award reflects the work of our outstanding STEM professors and furthers Monmouth College as a leader in STEM education.”
