Montgomery, AL – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), released the following statement celebrating Alabama State University for its recent award from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a part of its Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Inclusion Across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoveries in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) award: 

“As the Congressional Representative of seven HBCUs, I have always worked hard to ensure that these treasured institutions have the resources necessary to adequately prepare their students for competitive careers. I am beyond thrilled that Alabama State University (ASU) will be receiving $1.2 million as a part of NASA’s $7 million investment in minority-serving institutions,” said Rep. Sewell. “ASU is built upon a rich legacy and this funding will help expand the STEM educational opportunities provided to ASU students. I look forward to seeing all of the great advancements in STEM that future ASU graduates will achieve as a result of this new funding.” 

According to the announcement from NASA, the $1,198,937.75 million award will help Alabama State University close the gap of racial inequality in engineering:

In order to help close the gap of racial inequality in engineering, Alabama State University, or ASU, in Montgomery, Alabama, is implementing the Developing Emergent Engineers and Physicists, or DEEP, Program with the goal of engaging STEM subject matter experts, professional organizations, social science researchers, and industry partners to create a supportive community of engineering learners.

Alabama State University is among five other institutions that received funding from NASA’s MUREP INCLUDES award which provides funding for a three-year period to implement the institution's proposal.

“I am extremely grateful that Alabama State University was selected by NASA to be one of the recipients of this grant award," said ASU President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. "I would also like to thank Congresswoman Terri Sewell and her staff for their support in helping Alabama State University secure the funding that will help advance ASU's initiatives to increase student and minority participation in STEM-related fields. I would be remiss if I did not congratulate Dr. Michelle Foster, chair of the ASU Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, who successfully submitted the application for the grant.”

Funding, which totals over $7 million, was awarded to the following institutions and their proposed projects: 

• Alabama State University, NASA Pathways to Engineering and Experiential Research for Student Success- $1,198,937.75
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University,  Broadening Participation of Next Generation Aerospace Engineers Through Traineeship and Workforce Development Program -$1,199,977.00
• J.F. Drake State Technical College, Drake State Engineering Frontiers Coalition - $1,189,200.00
• Navajo Technical College, Broadening Participation in Engineering, Robotics, and Computer Science using Zero Robotics on Astrobee - $1,179,882.24
• Texas Agricultural & Mechanical University-Kingsville, Proactive Pathways of Excellence to Engage Minority Students in Aerospace Engineering - $1,200,000.00
• University of Massachusetts-Boston, Partners Aligned to Heighten Broad Participation in STEM - $1,200,000.00