Ramapo College Awarded Prestigious NSF S-STEM Grant to Support Next Generation of STEM Leaders

Ramapo College of New Jersey has received a $2M U.S. National Science Foundation S-STEM (Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) grant to launch the Ramapo Opportunities for Advanced Degrees in STEM (ROADS) program. This multi-year award will provide comprehensive scholarship support and specialized academic programming for academically talented students with financial need.

ROADS targets five high-growth disciplines through our Center for Data, Mathematical, and Computational Sciences: Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Mathematics, and Bioinformatics. These fields are experiencing unprecedented demand, with job growth projections ranging from 11% to 36% over the next decade – far exceeding the national average.

What makes this program particularly innovative is its integration with Ramapo’s accelerated 4+1 degree pathways. Students can complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years, with significant cost savings. During their senior year, students take three graduate courses covered by undergraduate tuition, saving over $12,000 toward their graduate degree.

The scholarship program addresses both financial and developmental barriers that often prevent talented students from succeeding in STEM fields. Selected students will receive full coverage of their unmet financial need – up to $15,000 annually for undergraduates and $20,000 for graduate students. Beyond financial support, ROADS scholars will participate in a unique four-course research sequence designed to develop their identity as researchers and prepare them for advanced careers or graduate study.

The program’s comprehensive support system includes cohort-based mentorship, one-on-one faculty advising, undergraduate research opportunities, and professional development activities. Students will have access to conference presentations, career fairs, and networking events with industry professionals through our established advisory board.

This award builds on Ramapo’s strong tradition of supporting STEM, including our a href=”https://www.ramapo.edu/stem-center/programs-grants/upward-bound/”> Upward Bound-Math Science Program and Educational Opportunity Fund initiatives. The ROADS program specifically serves the New York-New Jersey region, which ranks as the number one area nationally for job postings in data and computer science fields.

Applications for the first cohort of ROADS recipients will open soon, with separate application cycles for incoming freshmen and current students. The program aims to support 35 students over five years, with the goal of achieving 95% retention rates and ensuring 90% of graduates enter ROADS-related careers within two years.

This investment in STEM education directly supports national priorities in innovation and economic competitiveness, preparing graduates to contribute to cybersecurity, data analysis, and technological advancement in an increasingly digital world.

More information about application processes and program requirements will be available in the coming weeks.

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