FY 2021 HSI STEM and Articulation Program FAQs

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- What is the purpose of the Hispanic-Serving Institutions - Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (HSI STEM) and Articulation Programs?
- What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
- How often are competitions held?
- What is the duration of the average grant?
- What is the average annual grant amount?
- Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
- What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
- What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects?

The purpose of the HSI STEM and Articulation Programs is to: (1) increase the number of Hispanic and other low-income students attaining degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; and (2) to develop model transfer and articulation agreements between two-year and four-year institutions in such fields.

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Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to colleges and universities that have 25 percent Hispanic student enrollment and are deemed eligible through the Title V annual eligibility process. Grants are five years in duration and support activities that advance student achievement in STEM fields. Activities of these grants may include, but are not limited to:

- Improving academic quality of STEM programs through curriculum revision and development, or faculty development.
- Developing research opportunities for students in STEM fields.
- Providing or improving student services including counseling, tutoring, mentoring or establishing learning communities.
- Encouraging secondary students to pursue STEM degrees and careers through outreach activities.
- Improving STEM facilities and equipment needed for science instruction and computer laboratories.

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Competitions are generally held every five years, based on the appropriation of funds. The last competition was held in FY 2021.

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The grant is awarded for a period of five years. The first year is awarded via a competitive process. Four additional years are provided as non-competitive continuation grants.

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The program awards two types of grants to colleges and universities: (1) individual development grants; and (2) cooperative grants. Individual grants involve only one institution. The average grant award is estimated at $775,000 per year. Cooperative grants develop academic programs at different institutions in partnership, with one as the lead institution. The average cooperative grant amount is $1,100,000 per year.

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If a grantee institution plans to fund an endowment as part of the approved grant activities, dollar-for-dollar match is required for each federal dollar used for that purpose. No other cost matching is required.

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Grantees complete an Interim Performance Report, generally due six months after the grant's start date. An Annual Performance Report is required 90 days after each one-year budget period. The Department of Education generates a Final Performance Report for the grant by compiling and aggregating the data provided on the Annual Performance Reports. Institutions receiving grants under this program are subject to special analyses requested by the Department. Such special analyses will require data on student enrollment, retention, persistence, and graduation in the STEM fields. Data fields include: the percentage of students receiving STEM degrees during the course of the grant period; the number of students who transfer from two-year institutions to four-year institutions in STEM fields of study; and how the institution used its data on enrollment, retention, persistence, and graduation to improve or adjust grant-funded activities for maximizing results.

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A grantee institution is required to undertake an institutional audit as directed under OMB Circular A-133. An annual project evaluation is also required.

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