NSF AI grant $2M: scholarships plus AI support for low-income students in CS and engineering (Baylor University)

The NSF awarded about $1,996,204 to Baylor University's S-STEM Track 2 project "Advancing Success of Low-Income Students in Computer Science and Engineering through Scholarships, Mentoring, and Artificial Intelligence-Driven Support" (NSF Award 2527629; program: S-STEM; March 2026 – February 2032).

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 24 scholars pursuing BS degrees in bioinformatics, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and general engineering receive scholarships averaging $12,500 for up to five years. Scholars receive faculty, peer, and alumni mentoring and build strong cohorts through shared events and professional development, along with tutoring, AI-skill development, undergraduate research, and a living-learning community.

The project's overall goal is to increase STEM degree completion among academically talented, low-income undergraduates. There is significant national need to grow the STEM workforce and nurture talent for economic competitiveness and leadership in critical sectors. A predictive-analytics platform, "Navigate," helps track scholars' progress and, over the long term, identify those who might benefit from early intervention. An experienced evaluator gathers feedback and monitors progress, and the data generated contributes to knowledge about effective strategies to support talented, low-income students in STEM.