Project STEM
Project STEM helps UTPB students pursue and complete STEM degrees while preparing for successful careers.
Supported by a $4.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM and Articulation Program, Project STEM expands opportunities for students through financial support, paid internships, undergraduate research, academic support, advising, and faculty development.
The grant began October 1, 2022, and continues through September 30, 2026. Project STEM focuses on increasing enrollment, retention, graduation, and career placement for Hispanic and Pell-eligible students pursuing STEM-related bachelor's degrees at UTPB.
Opportunities for Students
Financial Support
Project STEM provides financial support for eligible students, including support for UTPB's Falcon Free program.
Paid Internships
Gain real-world experience, build professional skills, and connect with employers through paid internship opportunities.
Undergraduate Research
The Research Program for Undergraduates provides opportunities to participate in faculty-mentored research while developing valuable academic and professional skills.
Student Success Support
Access supplemental instruction, tutoring, mentoring, and other resources supported through the Student Success Center.
Academic Advising
Get help navigating your degree plan, academic progress, graduation requirements, and your path from enrollment to graduation.
Paid Internships Build Career Experience
Internships give students an opportunity to apply what they're learning at UTPB in real-world settings while developing professional skills, building connections, and gaining experience for their future careers.
During the last academic year, 65 paid interns were placed with 51 local employers through UTPB's Project STEM and Project IDEA federal grant programs.
Over the past five years, UTPB has invested more than $2 million to support paid internship experiences across academic disciplines.
Project STEM and Project IDEA internship impact
Student Experience: From Mathematics to Meteorology
Heather McBee | Mathematics
Senior mathematics major Heather McBee is gaining real-world experience as UTPB’s first meteorologist intern with First Alert 7. Through her internship, Heather is exploring how her academic background can translate into a professional setting while gaining valuable behind-the-scenes experience in broadcast meteorology.
When she’s not gaining experience at First Alert 7, Heather can also be found cheering on the Falcons from the sidelines.
Undergraduate Research in Action
Project STEM participant Morgan Hernandez was accepted to a paid National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU) internship in marine biology at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences.
DetailsFaculty Development
Project STEM supports faculty development designed to strengthen STEM teaching and student success at UTPB. Faculty opportunities include professional development, workshops, conferences, training through ESCALA Educational Services, and learning opportunities with visiting lecturers.
Meet the Project STEM Team
Dr. Omar Beg
Project Director
Dr. Rajalingam Dakshinamurthy
Co-Project Director
Priscilla Badillo
HSI-STEM Administrative Assistant
Have Questions?
For more information about the HSI-STEM grant, please contact us!
Email HSI STEM Grant