Drake State Community & Technical College, in partnership with Trenholm State Community College and Lawson State Community College, has been awarded a $500,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for a project named the Semiconductor Exposure, Exploration, and Development (SEED): Collaborative to Broaden Participation in STEM Education.

The grant award period runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029.

This landmark award highlights the collective strength of three of Alabama’s Historically Black Community Colleges as they work together to identify innovative strategies that expand access to STEM education and prepare students for emerging opportunities in the semiconductor and advanced technology sectors.

The SEED Collaborative aims to create new pathways for student engagement, exploration, and career development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while strengthening institutional capacity to support workforce needs in one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries.

This NSF investment reinforces the importance of realigning and elevating applied science pathways to meet the nation’s growing advanced manufacturing needs.

This investment also recognizes the applied sciences as a vital connector across traditional STEM disciplines, strengthening both workforce preparation and scientific discovery by fostering interdisciplinary approaches that translate theory into innovation within the semiconductor and advanced technology sectors.

“This award reflects a shared commitment among our institutions to broaden participation in STEM education and create transformative opportunities for students,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State Community & Technical College. “Through collaboration, innovation, and a focus on student success, we are positioning our students to thrive in the high-demand careers that will shape the future economy.”