The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has awarded a $600,000 grant to The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) to join the Gulf Scholars Program (GSP).

This funding is part of a larger five-year, $12.7 million initiative aimed at preparing undergraduate students to tackle environmental, health, energy, and infrastructure challenges facing the Gulf of Mexico region. The GSP now spans 24 institutions across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

Dr. Azita Amiri, a professor at UAH’s College of Nursing, emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the program.

“The GSP is designed to integrate diverse perspectives, drawing from fields such as nursing, humanities, social sciences, fine arts, natural sciences, and business,” she explained. “UAH’s reputation for innovation and educational excellence played a pivotal role in our selection for this program.”

The grant will enable UAH to collaborate with Calhoun Community College (CCC) to establish a tailored Gulf Scholars Program that will prepare students to become the next generation of professionals, advocates, and leaders focused on solving the Gulf’s most pressing issues. This partnership reflects UAH’s commitment to providing educational opportunities to a diverse range of students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or who are first-generation college attendees.

The GSP requires participating institutions to create specialized educational tracks that include courses, workshops, and a major research or creative project, developed in partnership with a community college and local organizations within the Gulf region. The $600,000 grant is bolstered by an additional $245,000 in pledges from UAH, CCC, and several community organizations, such as Energy Alabama and the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice, which are providing both financial and in-kind support.

“The program will offer students the opportunity to engage in community-driven research and service projects, and faculty will be encouraged to align their courses with the GSP’s goals,” said Dr. Amiri. “Additionally, there will be opportunities for paid and unpaid internships through our community partners, enhancing students’ hands-on learning experiences.”

The program will not only provide funds for tuition and research-related travel but also facilitate the transfer of core credits for CCC students to UAH, strengthening the educational pipeline between the institutions.

“This collaboration will not only boost our institutional reputation but also position UAH as a central player in addressing regional challenges and promoting sustainable innovation in the Gulf,” Amiri added.

The GRP, established in 2013, is committed to improving offshore energy system safety and promoting the long-term well-being of the Gulf of Mexico and its communities. With a budget of $500 million over 30 years, the GRP funds initiatives focused on research, education, and community engagement aimed at improving the region’s environmental and infrastructural resilience.

“This program provides students with a unique opportunity to tackle complex, real-world challenges while gaining invaluable academic and professional experience,” Dr. Amiri concluded. “By focusing on community-based learning and hands-on experiences, the Gulf Scholars Program will empower students to make a meaningful impact on the Gulf region’s future.