Congressman Kevin Yoder
Press Conference Recognizes Donnelly College for NSF Funding
KANSAS CITY, Kan., April 21, 2015—In a recent press conference, several community members congratulated Donnelly College on receiving federal funding for Project S4, which will provide scholarships for nearly 60 students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
The National Science Foundation (NSF)'s S-STEM program awarded the College $619,800 for Project S4 (Scholarships and Supports for STEM Success). In addition to scholarships for both Associate Degrees in Physical and Biological Sciences and the Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems, the project also will enrich student experiences in these programs with STEM-related service learning, job shadowing, internships and conference travel for students. Initial industry collaborations for Project S4 include Burns & McDonnell, Cerner, Connecting for Good and the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute.
Congressman Kevin Yoder was on hand to recognize Donnelly for this achievement.
"Donnelly College is a hidden gem in our community," he said. "Every time I come here, I am so impressed at the work you're doing, the people you're reaching out to and the futures here.... The sky's the limit for Donnelly College."
Dr. Cynthia Lane, Superintendent of Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, offered her take on what separates Donnelly from other colleges and universities.
"Donnelly, without exception, takes individuals from the community from wherever they are in their journey and helps propel them to success," she said.
Superintendent of the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and Donnelly Board member Dr. Kathy O'Hara echoed her support of the College.
"I know as an educator that it is a tremendous honor for any institution to receive the prestigious and difficult to obtain NSF grant, and for Donnelly College to receive it says quite a bit about the quality of staff and the education the College provides," she said. "I am grateful that the Donnelly staff possessed the vision, initiative and expertise to secure this opportunity, which will have a lasting positive impact on the community."
NSF funding for Project S4 kicked in on April 15 and will continue to aid Donnelly students and administration for five years.