KINGSTON, R.I. – Aug 31, 2026 – The University of Rhode Island will lead a $4.6 million National Science Foundation S-STEM consortium with the Community College of Rhode Island, and New England Institute of Technology that will expand engineering and engineering technology pathways for academically talented students with financial need. The project will strengthen transfer pathways, provide scholarships, and connect students with advising, mentoring, research, internships, and capstone experiences aligned with Rhode Island’s Blue Economy and advanced manufacturing workforce needs.
The grant, titled Collaborative Research: Advancing Pathways through a Multi-Institutional Consortium for Engineering Education and Workforce Development, will support efforts to recruit and retain talented students with financial need to pursue degrees in engineering and related fields.
Through the initiative, 116 students will have an opportunity to receive scholarships for up to five years as they progress from associate degrees in engineering technology at the Community College of Rhode Island and New England Institute of Technology to bachelor’s degrees at URI.
Along with providing need-based scholarships, the grant will reinforce the pipeline between the two Rhode Island colleges and URI by connecting students with advisors, mentors and internship opportunities in advanced manufacturing that align with Rhode Island’s Blue Economy.
“This project will help reduce the financial burden for students pursuing an engineering degree and, ultimately, the amount of debt they may carry after graduation,” said Vinka Craver, associate dean for research at URI’s College of Engineering and principal investigator on the NSF grant. “But the program goes beyond financial support. From their first year, students will have access to faculty and industry mentors and opportunities to participate in internships and capstone projects, helping them build the experience and connections they need to be better prepared for their professional careers.”
The NSF has identified expanding the nation’s STEM workforce as a critical priority, citing the need to develop talent capable of supporting U.S. economic competitiveness and maintaining leadership in key industries. The Rhode Island consortium’s project directly addresses that need by helping more students successfully complete STEM degrees and transition into high-demand careers.
“As a public, land-grant university, it is our mission to provide access to a high quality education to all citizens with the will, desire and grit to work hard and succeed. Unfortunately, many of our best and brightest students lack the financial resources to realize their dreams to obtain an engineering degree, which is a tremendous loss to society. This investment from NSF will enable students to realize their personal dreams and provide the workforce necessary to revitalize our manufacturing sector and grow the economy,” said Anthony Marchese, dean of URI’s College of Engineering.
The project is scheduled to begin in January. Participating institutions are continuing to develop application and program details, which will be announced as they become available.