Some of the University's current grants include:

NSF

The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program provides scholarships and support services for 18 mathematics and natural sciences majors at St. Edward’s and Austin Community College to become middle or high school teachers. These talented math and science majors–primarily underrepresented and first-generation college students–then enter high-need schools and inspire hundreds of students each year.

The Community for Achievement in Research, Academics and Science (CASAR)project aims to increase the number and retention of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students by attracting them to related disciplines, retaining them, and helping them transition after graduation.  This is funded through the National Science Foundation’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP). To this end, CASARparticipants complete a first-year experience while living in a Science Living-Learning Community, conduct undergraduate research and participate in interdisciplinary learning, and receive mentoring support by upper class STEM majors. 

 

USDA

TheCafé Con Leche project involves five institutions of higher education in Texas: Houston Community College (fiscal agent), Texas A&M Corpus Christi, St. Edward’s University, Del Mar College, and El Centro College (all members of the Texas Hispanic Serving Institutions Consortium). Together, these partners have implemented a series of activities that aim to increase enrollment, retention, transfer, and graduation of Hispanic and underrepresented college students in studies leading to careers that are fundamental to ensuring our country’s safe and adequate food supply and the conservation of natural resources.

The Undergraduate Research Experiences in Microbiology and Developmental Entomology program engages 18 students in research involving the analysis of plant pathogens and Drosophila development at St. Edward's and the University of Texas-Austin over 3 years.  Students’ research will result in the creation of a webpage, a new course, presentations, and manuscripts.

The university’sStrengthening Food Safety Research and Education Capacity at St. Edward’s University Through a Faculty Sabbatical Including Research and Course Development project aims to strengthen the food safety education and research capacity of St. Edward’s University through a one-year faculty sabbatical at Texas A&M University. Outputs of the sabbatical will include the development of an undergraduate elective course on food safety microbiology and food safety research, resulting in the submission of at least two publications. The focus of the research activities includes the role of produce surface nutrients on biofilm formation and bacterial migration to the stomatal region. Another project looks at pathogen attachment to produce in an effort to inhibit this interaction.

The university’s Education, Experience and Employment for Underrepresented Students in Natural Sciences project involves a partnership withTexas A&M University and USDA agencies, collaborating to improve the higher education of underrepresented students. This will be accomplished through recruitment, retention, and experiential programs that will directly link students to state and federal agencies (such as the US Forest Service, the Agricultural research Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, among others) through internship and employment opportunities.

Through the university’s Joint Research/Field Internships in Forest and Range Ecosystems program, St. Edward's University and the US Forest Service has collaborated on research and field internships for a diverse group of students. The program has improved the management of forests and rangelands and furthered the development of student scientific and professional competencies. Participating students have mentored approximately 2,000 high school students in an effort to expand and diversify the talent pool in resource management.

 

US Dept. of Education

The College Assistance Migrant Program is the longest running migrant education program in the country. This program has served more than 2,600 predominately Hispanic students from migrant and seasonal farm worker families. Each year, CAMP recruits 35 migrant freshmen who receive comprehensive first-year support. Using its own resources, the university provides on-going tuition and academic support through graduation.

TheRonald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program prepares low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Each year, the St. Edward’s University McNair program serves 26 students.

 

Humanities Texas

The St. Edward’s University KozmetskyCenter’s Challenges for Humanity in the 21^st Century: Education and Poverty in a Global World advances understanding of an increasingly integrated world. This is achieved by engaging the public and academic community in exploration and discussion surrounding policy-related issues as facilitated by world-renowned scholars and experts, such as United States and foreign diplomats, policy makers, and scholars. Each month, visiting fellows visit St. Edward’s to share expertise and engage the public and academic community in exploration and dialogue relating to humanities topics. Humanities Texas provided partial support for two seminar series in February and March of 2011.  Funds were used to host scholar Dr. A. Lee Fritschler and national expert Stephen Vetter, who presented research on education and poverty as well as their interrelationship, current trends, role of sustainable development, and potential for social action to address inequities.

 

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

The Work-Study Student Mentorship Program employs undergraduates who work within high-needs local high schools. These students help create a college-going culture; mentor Hispanic and other underrepresented students; help students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and other college application materials; and facilitate college visits.  Over the past two years, this program has impacted thousands of high school students and parents.