GROUP AIMS TO INCREASE SCIENCE AND MATH GRADS: UAPB, SEARK AMONG PARTNERS

By Ezra Mann/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

In an effort to make the dream of higher education possible for more people, eight higher learning institutions have teamed up to form the Arkansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation project, officials announced Monday at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

UAPB, the lead institution in the project, announced the alliance which is also comprised of Southeast Arkansas College, Arkansas State University, Philander Smith College, Pulaski Technical College, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

The project was awarded a $3.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to help increase the number of students who graduate with bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The degrees will allow for not only education, but help other needs, including economic development in an area that students are desperately needed, said Dr. Phil E. Shirley, president of SEARK.

It symbolizes a direction and makes Arkansas a competitive force when so many key people come together, said Dr. Mary Benjamin, vice chancellor for academic affairs at UAPB.

The project was named for former U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes.