NSF AI grant $2M: scholarships to help low-income students earn degrees in AI, math, cybersecurity, and statistics (Illinois Institute of Technology)
The NSF awarded about $2M to support the retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income students (S-STEM, Track 2). It gives 22 scholars (in AI, applied mathematics, CS, cybersecurity, data science, operations research, and statistics) scholarships averaging $15,000 (up to five years), with mentoring, interdisciplinary experiential learning, and cohort building.
Grant overview (primary data)
- Award amount$2,000,000
- RecipientIllinois Institute of Technology（IL）
- ProgramS-STEM-Schlr Sci Tech Eng&Math
- Period2026-01-01 〜 2031-12-31
- FunderU.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) / NSF
Key points
- Supports retention and graduation of low-income students in computing fields (S-STEM, Track 2)
- 22 scholars receive scholarships averaging $15,000 (up to five years); bachelor's and master's eligible
- Fields include AI, applied mathematics, CS, cybersecurity, data science, operations research, statistics
- Mentoring, interdisciplinary experiential learning, cohort building, and career advancement
- About $2M, led by Illinois Institute of Technology, 2026–2031
The NSF awarded about $2,000,000 to Illinois Institute of Technology's S-STEM Track 2 project "Supporting Pathways for Advancing Readiness in Computing: AI, Mathematics, Cybersecurity and Statistics" (NSF Award 2527602; program: S-STEM; January 2026 – December 2031).
Per the abstract, the project addresses the national need for well-educated scientists, engineers, and technicians by supporting the retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income students with demonstrated financial need. A total of 22 scholars pursuing bachelor's and master's degrees in artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, operations research, and statistics receive scholarships averaging $15,000 for up to five years. Scholars receive faculty and peer mentoring and build strong cohorts through experiential and interdisciplinary learning, plus community building and career-advancement activities.
The project's overall goal is to increase STEM degree completion among academically talented, low-income undergraduate and graduate students. There is significant national need to grow the STEM workforce and nurture talent for economic competitiveness and leadership in critical sectors, and the project addresses this by strengthening the workforce in computing and other key areas. An experienced evaluator provides timely, adaptive feedback, and the data generated contributes to knowledge about effective strategies to support talented, low-income students in STEM.
Why it matters
An example of growing STEM talent in critical fields like AI, math, cybersecurity, and statistics across economic barriers. A useful read on the design of U.S. talent investment for those tracking AI workforce development and educational equity.
FAQ
What is S-STEM?
How does it differ from the similar Baylor project?
Sources (primary)
Source: NSF Award Search (U.S. National Science Foundation, public domain). Amounts are the obligated amount. For privacy, we do not handle principal investigator names.
- NSF Award (original, official)
- NSF Award ID: 2527602