RICHMOND, VA — Altria Group has awarded a $550,000 grant to Virginia Union University for scholarships and related programs to attract and support students preparing for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and STEM teaching.
Within its “STEM: EnRichmond” program, Virginia Union has designed a program to help students explore a variety of career options in the STEM area, with special emphasis on K-12 education. These activities fall into six major areas within the two-year program: recruitment, academic content, mentoring, community engagement, summer reinforcement, and scholarships. The program will begin with a four-week summer institute. Students will also receive intensive coaching, academic advising, tutoring, and other support services.
“We are pleased to provide this support to enable students at Virginia Union University to pursue education and training in the STEM disciplines.” said Charlie Agee, Director of Corporate Contributions for Altria. “We believe that mastery of STEM subjects in college will help students be more prepared for and successful in their careers, now and in the future.”
Altria’s support will fund scholarships for two classes of 10 students each, with requirements that the students focus their studies in the STEM disciplines and/or STEM education. The contribution also includes part of the coordination and evaluation costs for the program.
