Stem Center for Research and Development
A well-educated science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce is a significant 
contributor to maintaining the competitiveness of the U.S. in the global economy. The University of the District of Columbia (UDC), College of Arts and Sciences, Division of Sciences and Mathematics Biology Program was awarded a “National Science Foundation (NSF) Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program Award in 2023 (five years, $2.25 million dollars). The HBCU-UP Grant gives the university the opportunity to assist in addressing the need for a high-quality workforce in the STEM disciplines supported by the program. Additionally, it allows for increased success of academically talented students with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing a STEM baccalaureate degree.
The grant provides students with research stipends and faculty with opportunities to advance the adaptation, implementation and study of effective evidence-based curricular and co-curricular activities. The program’s objective is to increase the number of low-income, academically talented students with demonstrated financial need to obtain degrees in STEM and enter the workforce or graduate programs in STEM fields.
All undergraduate STEM disciplines are supported by the UDC HBCU-UP Program.
Students wishing to apply to the UDC HBCU-UP Program must:
- Have a declared Major in a STEM Discipline.
- Have a cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be a continuing Freshman, Sophomore or Junior (individuals obtaining a second bachelor’s degree are not qualified).
- Be a U.S. citizen (natural or naturalized) or possess a Green/Permanent Residence card (passports are not proof of citizenship and will not be accepted).
- Complete the FASFA form—please provide proof with determination communication from the FASFA Office.
- Provide evidence of your current course registration or acceptance letter if an incoming freshman or transfer student; and
- Be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-2 p.m. to meet as part of a cohort (no exceptions) in-person depending on UDC’s policies and processes in effect at the time.
The completed application package must be submitted by email to the HBCU-UP Program Manager, Ms. Anita Wood, with a cc/copy to Dr. Freddie Dixon, Program Director. Please email the application package to Ms. Wood at awood@udc.edu, with a copy to fdixon@udc.edu. Please see the application for more information, or contact Dr. Freddie Dixon or Ms. Anita Wood if you need further assistance. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please email the application as one package, or it will not be reviewed.