OSU-OKC receives $8,000 grant from Union Pacific Foundation

Funds will support OSU-OKC’s Fridays are for STEM Careers program

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City is the recipient of an $8,000 grant from the Union Pacific Foundation for the school’s Fridays are for STEM Careers program.

The program allows for low-income students from high schools in the metro area to spend a day exploring STEM career options at the Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) campus.

Participants tour different academic programs and engage in hands-on lessons taught by college faculty or industry professionals. The students also learn about STEM-related careers and receive guidance on selecting a college, enrolling for classes and applying for financial aid.

OSU-OKC officials said the goals of the program are to increase job applicant diversity for STEM careers and to increase the overall number of STEM professionals in Oklahoma.

Grant funds will be used to pay for supplies for hands-on activities and for transportation and meals for participants in the Fridays are for STEM Careers program.

OSU-OKC President Dr. Brad Williams said school officials salute the Union Pacific Foundation for its support of workforce development in Oklahoma.

“Our city’s students will gain greatly from their exposure to STEM opportunities,” Williams said. “They just need to believe that college is possible. These grant funds play an important role in helping young minds imagine new possibilities."

For more information about the Fridays are for STEM Careers program, call OSU-OKC Recruitment Services at (405) 945-3235.