Emerson Electric Co. is contributing $1.65 million to the University of Missouri–St. Louis’ new Opportunity Scholars Program to bring diversity to the science, technology, engineering and math fields in St. Louis.
“The university did not have a scholarship program targeted to this group of people who also are underrepresented in our workforce,” said David Farr, Chairman and CEO of Emerson. “We wanted to do something about that, and that’s what the Opportunity Scholars program is all about.”
Farr is working on the with George Paz – chairman, CEO and president of Express Scripts Inc. and chairman of the university’s Gateway to Greatness fundraising campaign – to secure corporate support for this scholarship program.
The Opportunity Scholars Program will provide full scholarships to 10 outstanding area high school students that are members of an underrepresented minority group each year, beginning the 2011-2012 academic school year. The scholarship recipients must plan to study a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) discipline. The first class of Opportunity Scholars will be granted scholarships in April 2011.
“The University of Missouri-St. Louis has a strong record of diversity, and enrolls a large number of low-income, ‘first generation’ students who have significant financial needs,” Farr said.
“We know that, without help, many of these students with high potential are forced to drop out much sooner than other student populations and leave college without a degree.”
Along with Emerson, Energizer, also headquartered in St. Louis, is supporting the program through its Keep Going Peer Mentoring Program, where each scholarship recipient will have a mentor.
“It has been my experience that having a direct relationship with a strong mentor is a real key to success and growth for future leaders, and mentorship is an important part of this UMSL Opportunity Scholars program,” Farr said.
“We’re excited about what it can mean for bright, deserving students as we seek to expanding education and career opportunities in St. Louis.
David Steward, chairman of World Wide Technology, Inc. and his wife Thelma Steward are also contributing funds to the scholarship program and making internships available.
One goal of the scholarship program is to keep local minority talent from leaving the St. Louis area. Many high-achieving minority students leave the St. Louis area for college and do not return.
“We want to keep more of our local talent right here in St. Louis to work and live in this great community,” Farr said.
“Support from Emerson and others in the business community in the Opportunity Scholars Program will offer UMSL’s high-achieving, goal-oriented students in this underrepresented group a chance to maximize their college careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The STEM disciplines are vital for future economic growth and the long-term strength of our community and this country.”
This year UMSL’s Gateway to Greatness campaign raised just under $27 million and reached its $100 million goal in five years, two years ahead of deadline. Now the fundraising campaign hopes to raise $150 million by 2012.
