Mercy College, Westchester Community College Receive Federal Funds to Spur STEM Education

DOBBS FERRY, NY — Mercy College will receive almost $700,000 in grant funds to create a five-year program to help Hispanic and low-income students complete studies in STEM fields.

Rep. Nita Lowey, D-Harrison, announced the $696,572 grant Thursday at the Mercy College Wellness Initiative Fair.

She was joined at the announcement by Mercy College President Timothy Hall and Westchester Community College Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Peggy Bradford.

The funds will be used to create Team STEM, a joint partnership between Mercy College and WCC, that will help two- and four-year Hispanic and/or low-income undergraduates complete a bachelor’s degree within six years in one of six disciplines offered at Mercy: biology, psychology, mathematics, computer science, computer information science and cybersecurity.

Additionally, the two institutions will sponsor new activities designed to facilitate the seamless transfer of the students into Mercy College’s STEM baccalaureate programs.

Lowey said she was pleased the funds will be used to address a growing need for STEM professionals in the Hudson Valley.

“Educating more students in STEM fields is one of the most productive steps we can take to strengthen our economy,” she said.

Lowey is the senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.

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