Mott Foundation gives $11M to STEM education, student success

The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation continued its longstanding commitment to the University of Michigan-Flint with one of the largest gifts ever to the institution. An $11 million grant will support UM-Flint’s continued growth of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) studies, add faculty support, create more research opportunities and develop additional strategies to recruit and retain students.

The largest portion of the grant will provide $7.5 million to help fund a 65,000-square-foot addition and a third wing of the Murchie Science Building. The project includes new instructional and research laboratories as well as interactive classrooms. “The Mott Foundation is an extraordinary partner, and this investment will create significant additional opportunities for our campus, our students and our community,” said Chancellor Susan Borrego. The state of Michigan will also provide $29.3 million for this capital project. Construction of the Murchie Science Building addition is expected to be completed in 2020.

The Mott Foundation’s $11 million grant also includes funding to support senior faculty members in mechanical engineering and biology, whose leadership in their respective departments is expected to be transformative. In addition, their research mentorship would help support the junior faculty in these departments. Funding will also enable UM-Flint to enhance marketing and student recruitment activities, increase academic supports to help incoming freshman and transfer students thrive and boost financial aid for on-campus housing.