National Science Foundation award supports STEM innovation at Lawson State and other
HBCCs
Lawson State Community College, Drake State Community and Technical College and Trenholm
State Community College have been awarded a $500,000 National Science Foundation (NSF)
grant for Semiconductor Exposure, Exploration, and Development (SEED): A Collaborative
to Broaden Participation in STEM Education.
The grant award period runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029.
This landmark award highlights the collective strength of three of Alabama's Historically
Black Community Colleges as they work together to identify innovative strategies that
expand access to STEM education and prepare students for emerging opportunities in
the semiconductor and advanced technology sectors.
"Lawson State is proud to be part of this transformative partnership that expands access to high-quality STEM education and prepares our students for careers in one of the nation's most critical and rapidly growing industries," said Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, President of Lawson State Community College.
"Through the HBCU CHIPS Network and the SEED initiative, we are creating new pathways for students to gain the skills, exposure, and industry connections needed to succeed in semiconductor and advanced technology careers," Dr. Anthony said. "This investment strengthens not only our institution, but also the economic vitality and workforce potential of the communities we serve."
About the collaborative
The SEED Collaborative aims to create new pathways for student engagement, exploration,
and career development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM),
while strengthening institutional capacity to support workforce needs in one of the
nation's fastest-growing industries.
This NSF investment reinforces the importance of realigning and elevating applied
science pathways to meet the nation's growing advanced manufacturing needs. It also
recognizes the applied sciences as a vital connector across traditional STEM disciplines,
strengthening both workforce preparation and scientific discovery by fostering interdisciplinary
approaches that translate theory into innovation within the semiconductor and advanced
technology sectors.
"This award reflects a shared commitment among our institutions to broaden participation
in STEM education and create transformative opportunities for students," said Dr.
Patricia Sims, President of Drake State Community & Technical College. "Through collaboration,
innovation, and a focus on student success, we are positioning our students to thrive
in the high-demand careers that will shape the future economy."
An exceptionally strong partnership
Dr. Kemba Chambers, President of Trenholm State Community College, said, “This grant represents an extraordinary opportunity to connect our students to the future of innovation and advanced manufacturing. By collaborating with fellow Historically Black Community Colleges, we are broadening participation in STEM fields and ensuring that talented students from our communities have access to emerging opportunities in the semiconductor industry."
"Together, we are building a stronger, more diverse workforce that will help drive
technological advancement and economic growth throughout our region and beyond," Dr.
Chambers added.
The partnership between Drake State, Trenholm State Community College, and Lawson
State Community College demonstrates the power of collaboration among Historically
Black Community Colleges to address workforce challenges and increase diversity in
STEM fields. Together, the institutions will leverage their unique strengths and resources
to create a model for expanding access to semiconductor education and workforce development.
Project aims to strengthen STEM pathways
Supporting this effort will be Dr. George White, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships
at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and co-founder of the HBCU CHIPS Network.
Dr. White's expertise and leadership will help guide the collaborative's efforts to
strengthen pathways into semiconductor careers and foster greater participation in
STEM disciplines among underrepresented students.
The NSF-funded project comes at a pivotal time as industry, government, and educational
institutions work to build a robust domestic semiconductor workforce. Through the
SEED initiative, the three colleges will explore innovative educational models, expand
student exposure to STEM opportunities, and enhance career readiness for future technology
leaders.
The SEED project also underscores the ongoing commitment to advancing educational
excellence, fostering innovation, and creating equitable opportunities for students
pursuing STEM careers.
For more information, contact Dr. Bruce Crawford, Vice President for Instruction.
