A Big STEM Gift from Simons Foundation Grabs Attention in the Field
Another Big STEM Diversity Give, This One Backed By Hedge Fund Wealth
Diversifying the pool of STEM students and workers across the country is an especially hot funding area of late, as we've covered often. In one recent gift I wrote about, private equity billionaire Robert Smith gave $50 million to his alma mater Cornell to help fund scholarships and fellowships for groups traditionally underrepresented in engineering and technology.
Meanwhile, we've written about a long list of corporate funders, particulary tech companies, that are giving money for STEM diversity, with an eye on future workforce needs.
Now comes news that Morehouse College in Atlanta recently secured $2.5 million in funding from Jim and Marilyn Simons towards educating math and science students. The billionaire Simons couple are well-known for their passion for mathematics and the sciences. The Simons Foundation’s Education & Outreach programs seek to "stimulate a deeper interest and understanding of science and mathematics among students, professionals and the interested public."