Santa Clara County Reps Announce $4.4+ Million in Federal Funding for STEM Education & Research at San Jose State University

SAN JOSE, CA – Today, Representatives Ro Khanna (CA-17), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Anna Eshoo (CA-16), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced that San Jose University (SJSU) will receive a total of $4,456,790 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support STEM education and research initiatives.

 “Investments in STEM programs are investments in America’s future,” said Reps. Khanna, Lofgren, Eshoo, and Panetta. “These projects will diversify the nation’s STEM workforce pipeline, advance our understanding of the universe, and improve STEM education in Silicon Valley, the heart of American innovation and home to thousands of technology companies. We welcome and support this $4.4 million in federal funding that provides students who have traditionally been left behind with opportunities while simultaneously boosting American competitiveness in the 21^st Century economy.”

"We are proud that San José State University's dedication to student success will be further supported through three National Science Foundation grants,” said Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President of San José State University. “This NSF funding will enhance the STEM education opportunities for our students by paving the way for aspiring scientists, engineers, and innovators to push educational boundaries, unravel learning mysteries, and lead the charge towards a brighter future. We thank Representatives Lofgren, Eshoo, Khanna, and Panetta for advocating for federal funding that benefits our students and transforms STEM curricula to equip our students with the skills to shape a world where discovery knows no limits."

The Members announced the following grants:

1. $2,499,411 to provide summer enrichment programs to high school seniors, with a focus on increasing the number of low-income students pursuing STEM careers.
2. $1,178,442 to improve partnerships between STEM faculty and undergraduate assistants to create more inclusive and engaging learning environments. 
3. $399,984 to develop virtual reality tools for linear algebra courses.
4. $378,953 to study the formation and properties of ultra-diffuse galaxies.

The NSF funding comes from the FY23 consolidated appropriations package that Reps. Khanna, Lofgren, Eshoo, and Panetta voted in favor of.

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