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Albany State University’s HBCU-UP STEM Academy Is Broadening Opportunities For Student Achievement In STEM. The Initiative Moves Into Its Second Year With 35 Participants.
We are not only preparing students to succeed academically, but also equipping them to become leaders, researchers, and mentors who will contribute meaningfully to the STEM workforce.”— Dr. Chinenye Ofodile, Albany State UniversityALBANY, GA, UNITED STATES, August 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Albany State University (ASU) is gaining momentum in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education thanks to the ongoing achievements of its HBCU Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) STEM Academy—a major effort funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant designed to improve recruitment, retention, and timely graduation of underrepresented students in STEM disciplines.
Now heading into its second year, the program aids students majoring in Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Forensic Science, and Psychology by delivering academic, financial, and community-based resources aimed at securing lasting success.
The first cohort of 15 students showed substantial academic and personal progress over the 2025–2026 academic year. Their collective GPA rose from 3.13 in Fall 2025 to 3.16 by Summer 2026, and they logged 331 hours of community service. In addition, students took part in high-impact activities and secured top honors at ASU’s 14th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, where three participants tied for first place in the poster presentation competition.
A defining feature of the program is its deliberate, student-focused support framework. Through structured mentoring, cohort-based learning, and targeted academic development, participants gain the tools necessary to excel in challenging STEM fields.
One student’s experience illustrates the program’s transformative effects. After being placed on academic probation following the fall semester, that student collaborated closely with program leadership to craft a personalized academic plan emphasizing time management, study techniques, and accountability. By the end of the spring semester, the student earned all A’s.
“The HBCU-UP program helped me learn how to manage my time, stay focused, and believe in my ability to succeed. Having that support system made all the difference for me.”
– Nigeria Numa, Sophomore Forensic Science Major, Albany State University
Participants in HBCU-UP receive over $1,000 in financial aid during their first year, including $500 stipends at the conclusion of both the fall and spring semesters, along with a TI-84 graphing calculator to assist with coursework. Beyond monetary support, students benefit from a steady network of academic and social backing, such as specialized courses, mentorship, and chances for research and experiential learning.
“The success of our first cohort demonstrates the power of intentional support, community, and high expectations. We are not only preparing students to succeed academically, but also equipping them to become leaders, researchers, and mentors who will contribute meaningfully to the STEM workforce.”
-Dr. Chinenye Ofodile, Director of the HBCU-UP Program and Chair of the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics, Albany State University
As the program continues into Fall 2026, 21 new students have been admitted to the next cohort, and 14 returning participants will join them. The semester kicks off with an orientation on August 19 and features a packed schedule of academic sessions, workshops, and engagement activities.
Students will take part in Saturday academies that include coursework in physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, English, mathematics, and college readiness, in addition to field trips and interactive learning experiences. Extra offerings throughout the semester involve mentorship pairings, mental wellness support, academic planning meetings, and community-building events aimed at boosting student involvement and achievement.
The program’s learning community model ensures that participants advance together through their academic journey, building lasting bonds with peers, faculty, and mentors. As students progress, they also get the chance to mentor incoming participants, reinforcing a cycle of leadership and encouragement.
As Albany State University keeps investing in innovative initiatives like HBCU-UP, the institution reaffirms its dedication to broadening access, improving outcomes, and preparing the next generation of STEM leaders.
Rachel Lawrence, Ed.D.
Albany State University
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