The Association of American Universities (AAU) announced today it has selected a second cohort of 12 AAU member campuses to receive small grants – or “mini-grants” – to further existing efforts to improve undergraduate education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
The network is part of the AAU Undergraduate STEM Education Initiative , a major project begun in 2011 to encourage STEM departments at AAU universities to use teaching practices proven to be effective in engaging students in STEM education and in helping students learn.
The mini-grants are made possible by a five-year, $1 million grant from the Northrop Grumman Foundation, which supports diverse and sustainable national programs to enhance the STEM education experience for students and provide STEM teachers with the training and tools they need to be successful in the classroom.
“Our universities are committed to improving the effectiveness of undergraduate STEM teaching and learning,” said AAU President Mary Sue Coleman. “AAU is thrilled to partner with the Northrop Grumman Foundation to help support innovative STEM education reforms at our universities.”
The grants will fund specific departmental or college-wide improvements at the selected universities. The efforts being supported reinforce the cross-cutting strategies AAU has learned to be important in advancing reforms, outlined in the five-year status report on the AAU Undergraduate STEM Education Initiative. These strategies include creating learning communities for STEM faculty members involved in reform efforts, establishing programs to train graduate students and undergraduate teaching assistants or peer advisors in active learning practices, renovating classrooms into collaborative learning spaces, and creating inclusive and welcoming learning environments for all students.
The grants will go to Brandeis University; Case Western Reserve University; Emory University; Georgia Institute of Technology; Indiana University Bloomington; New York University; Stony Brook University; The University of Arizona; University of Maryland, College Park; University of Oregon; University of Toronto; and Washington University in St. Louis.
Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 62 research universities transform lives through education, research, and innovation.
Our member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to our economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow’s visionary leaders and innovators.
AAU member universities collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society.