Lafayette Gets $800,000 for Science Programs

is one of 47 small schools around the country receiving $50 million in grant money from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Lafayette's share in that money comes to $800,000, which the college says will go to "expanding the number of real-world research experiences available to students and increasing the diversity of students who study science," according to a news release.

The money will also be used to bolster faculty and curriculum develop, the college said.

New developments include a summer research program for students, as well as an increase in on- and off-campus research opportunities for upper-level students.

The funding starts in September and runs for four years. 

This is the second significant grant the college has received in the last six months. In December 2011, the college got an $800,000 grant for .