Indianapolis, Indiana – The University of Indianapolis (UIndy) has secured a major boost in its mission to widen access to science and engineering degrees, with the announcement of a highly competitive $2 million award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The funding, one of the most prestigious offered through the NSF’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program, will allow the university to directly support academically talented students from low-income backgrounds as they pursue careers in engineering, mathematics, and data science.
The grant will fund the creation of the Academic, Mentoring & Professional Development (AMP) Support Program, an initiative designed to remove barriers to success for students who often face financial constraints despite strong academic potential. Beginning in fall 2026, nine incoming first-year Greyhounds will make up the first cohort of scholarship recipients, each eligible for up to $15,000 annually in financial assistance. In addition to financial support, the program will provide academic mentoring, peer networks, and career development opportunities—key resources that will accompany students throughout their studies.
Faculty leaders say the funding represents more than just scholarships. It is an investment in building the infrastructure that students need to thrive. “We are incredibly honored to receive this S-STEM grant from the National Science Foundation because it provides much-needed scholarships to talented students in critical career fields,” said Joan Martinez, assistant professor of engineering and the primary investigator for the grant. “This funding will also allow us to enhance our academic infrastructure with stronger math course support, mentoring programs and career readiness services—which will benefit countless students for years to come. Our goal is to ensure every promising UIndy student has the resources to thrive and succeed in STEM and this investment allows us to directly empower them to become successful leaders in their professional fields.”
For many low-income students, entering college can be daunting, especially in rigorous disciplines like engineering or data science. One of the challenges faculty often observe is that incoming freshmen may excel in some areas but struggle with foundational math preparation, which can create a stumbling block early on. UIndy has already been addressing this gap through its Summer Bridge Program, which offers targeted math support for new students. The AMP program will build upon this model, reinforcing the idea that success in STEM requires more than talent alone—it requires the right support systems in place.
The AMP initiative also connects with existing university efforts such as the Math Tutoring Lab and embedded tutoring within key courses. These resources are critical for students in their first semesters, when the adjustment to college-level work can feel overwhelming. As Livia Hummel, associate professor and chair of the mathematical sciences department and co-primary investigator for the grant, explained, “This grant builds on ongoing efforts to provide additional academic support for students at the University of Indianapolis in their initial math courses through the Math Tutoring Lab and other courses with embedded tutoring. I’m excited to be able to provide these opportunities to encourage students to build strong mathematical and problem-solving skills which are essential in a wide variety of STEM areas. Collaborating with the R.B. Annis School of Engineering provides a tremendous opportunity for future Greyhounds to enter into a new world of possibilities.”
The S-STEM program itself is designed to not only support students in need but to strengthen the nation’s STEM workforce. By helping more low-income students complete their degrees and move into high-demand jobs, the initiative aims to ensure that the next generation of innovators reflects the diversity of the broader population. For UIndy, the grant signals recognition at the national level that its programs and faculty are poised to make a real impact.
Recruitment for the first AMP cohort will begin this fall, with a focus on reaching students from Indianapolis-area high schools. Faculty and admissions staff plan to host on-campus events, send personalized invitations, and connect directly with students who may not otherwise see themselves at a university. The selection process will include application essays and interviews with program faculty, designed to highlight students’ potential and determination rather than just test scores or grades.
While the immediate impact will be felt by the first group of nine students, university leaders emphasize that the long-term effects will ripple across the entire campus. The infrastructure created through AMP—expanded mentoring, stronger math pathways, and a culture of support—will benefit future classes of Greyhounds for years to come. And for students who may be the first in their families to pursue higher education, the scholarship offers not only financial relief but also a clear message that they belong in STEM and that their community is ready to invest in their success.
The University of Indianapolis has long promoted hands-on learning and close faculty-student relationships. With this new funding, those values are now paired with additional resources that directly address the challenges faced by low-income students. The $2 million grant represents both an opportunity and a responsibility: to ensure that the promise of STEM education is within reach for every capable student, regardless of income level.
