Congressional delegation announces $8M grant to E-CORE RII for STEM research and workforce development

U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Congresswoman Sarah McBride (all D-Del.) announced that Delaware will receive a federal investment of approximately $8 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) for STEM research capacity and workforce development. The award was granted to E-CORE RII: Strengthening Partnerships for Advancing Research Capacity in Delaware, a project led by the University of Delaware in collaboration with Delaware State University, Delaware Technical and Community College, Goldey-Beacom College, and Wilmington University.

“The future of advanced manufacturing runs through Delaware, and investing in STEM access ensures that Delawareans will be prepared to work in these high-skilled, high-paying careers,” said Senator Chris Coons. “As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m thrilled to have secured this federal funding to support programs and education for the future of our nation right here in the First State.”

“This funding from NSF will help grow Delaware’s capacity to lead in STEM while supporting collaboration among numerous partners in the state to help us reach our long-term goals,” said Senator Blunt Rochester, a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

“We are excited to partner with Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College, Goldey-Beacom College and Wilmington University to support developing a highly skilled, technical workforce and increase our networked and interdisciplinary researchers across the state to position Delaware at the forefront of research and economic prosperity,” said Delaware EPSCoR Director Dr. Amy Slocum.

The project endeavors to create an inclusive, open, collaborative research ecosystem and train and retain a highly skilled workforce. It focuses on strengthening the state’s data and intellectual property infrastructure, improving communication and access to STEM programming, supporting entrepreneurial training and fostering cross-institutional collaborations. By addressing these needs, this project will boost cutting-edge research carried out by interdisciplinary teams, resulting in substantial gains in Delaware’s knowledge-based economy.