Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., has established an endowed scholarship at Fordham University for minority and underrepresented undergraduates studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).
The Con Edison-Fordham Endowed Scholarship Fund provides a $62,500 gift to be used for scholarship support for STEM undergraduates studying on the Rose Hill campus, beginning with the 2009-2010 academic year. Recipients of the scholarship will be recommended by the dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill, in consultation with the Office of Enrollment Services.
“Today’s high-tech, global economy demands a special emphasis on science and related disciplines,” said Frances A. Resheske, Con Edison’s senior vice president of public affairs. “A quality education is the key that opens many doors, and we are pleased to be able to join with Fordham to help make sure that bright students have a bright future.”
Traditionally, minority and disadvantaged students are underrepresented in employment in the STEM fields. At Fordham, several programs bolster enrollment in those areas, including the CSTEP program, which supports 200 undergraduates, mostly of African-American and Latino descent.
“This gift is a perfect match between a great company and the great promise of Fordham students,” said Brennan P. O’Donnell, dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill. “It’s a recognition by Con Ed of the quality of our STEM-discipline students, faculty and advisors.”
A 2004 American Council on Education study shows that college programs cultivating talent in STEM fields receive strong public support; student, faculty, and business focus groups see such programs as making America more globally competitive in the 21st century.
