NYITCOM at A-State Receives Grant to Mentor Underserved High School Students

NYITCOM will use funds to help underserved students navigate science research competitions

Jonesboro, Ark. – The Society for Science & the Public recently announced that New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State (NYITCOM at A-State) is one of 60 advocates that has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the organization. The funds will be used to mentor underrepresented and low-income high school students and guide them in entering science research competitions. 

“It’s very important to NYITCOM that we foster interests in science in young people and this grant provides an excellent opportunity for us to do just that,” said Rajendram Rajnarayanan, PhD., assistant dean of Research at NYITCOM at A-State. “We’re very grateful to the Society for Science & Public and we appreciate their support as we work to build partnerships with high school students in the Delta.”

Through the Advocate Grant Program, educators and scientists expand opportunities for underserved students who have the potential, yet lack the necessary resources, to succeed in STEM fields. Each advocate will mentor a cohort of three or more students, providing support as they complete science research projects and apply to compete in science research competitions.

“It’s imperative that we make STEM education opportunities accessible to all students,” said Maya Ajmera, president and chief executive officer of the Society for Science & the Public and publisher of Science News. “By nurturing young, talented minds, the Society’s Advocate Program is bolstering a pipeline of future scientific and engineering leaders.”

Students who participate in science research competitions not only gain confidence, but also acquire important problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration and effective communication skills.

To date, more than 1,500 students who have participated in the Advocate Grant Program competed in nearly 2,400 science research competitions. Additionally, since the program’s launch in 2015, more than 2,000 students have worked with the Society’s Advocates. Ninety percent of those students are low-income and 70 percent are an underrepresented group.

More About NYITCOM at Arkansas State:

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University is dedicated to improving access to health care for the underserved and rural populations in Arkansas and the Mississippi Delta Region. Arkansas ranks 48th in overall population health status due to low health indicators including obesity and number of adults who smoke. The state also ranks 46th in the number of active physicians per capita and 39th in the number of primary care physicians. NYITCOM at A-State was established in 2016 with the mission of meeting the need for more physicians in this medically underserved area.

More About Society for Science & the Public:

Society for Science & the Public is dedicated to the achievement of young scientists in independent research and to public engagement in science. Established in 1921, the Society is a nonprofit whose vision is to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Through its world-class competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Broadcom MASTERS, and its award-winning magazine, Science News and Science News for Students, Society for Science & the Public is committed to inform, educate, and inspire. Learn more at http://www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).