VCSU Awarded $15,000 ND EPSCoR Grant for INSTEM Academy
Photo: Students do a hands-on activity with an instructor at VCSU’s INSTEM academy.
VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – The Valley City State University INSTEM (Indians into STEM) Academy has been awarded a $15,000 grant through the North Dakota EPSCoR STEM Outreach Program, an initiative that supports activities designed to strengthen the STEM pathway and build STEM identity among youth across North Dakota.
The INSTEM Academy has been conducting week-long summer STEM academies for North Dakota Native American middle and high school students since 2018. The program is coordinated by Dr. Jamie Wirth, Director of VCSU’s Great Plains STEM Education Center, but its programming is powered by a broad team of STEM faculty from across multiple VCSU departments. These faculty lead hands‑on sessions that immerse Native American students in authentic STEM experiences. More information is available at www.vcsu.edu/instem.
The EPSCoR STEM Outreach Program emphasizes youth‑centered STEM activities aligned with statewide goals and the North Dakota Science and Technology Plan. Awards of up to $15,000 were made to programs demonstrating strong alignment with these priorities and high potential for impact. These funds will supplement the primary funding for INSTEM that is provided by the ND Department of Public Instruction’s Office of Indian/Multicultural Education. The new grant funds will allow INSTEM to expand the hands‑on learning opportunities that promote STEM identity, curiosity, and long‑term academic success among Native American youth.
“We are grateful to ND EPSCoR for supporting INSTEM’s mission to empower Native students with meaningful, culturally responsive STEM experiences,” said Dr. Wirth. “While I coordinate the academy, the true strength of INSTEM lies in the faculty across campus, as well as various guest speakers, who generously share their time, expertise, and passion for STEM with our students.”
About INSTEM
INSTEM at Valley City State University provides culturally grounded, high‑impact STEM learning opportunities for Native American K–12 students. Through interdisciplinary faculty collaboration and partnerships with tribal schools, INSTEM helps students explore STEM fields, develop problem‑solving skills, and build confidence in pursuing STEM careers. Learn more at www.vcsu.edu/instem.
About the Great Plains STEM Education Center
The Great Plains STEM Education Center at VCSU promotes excellence in STEM teaching and learning through teacher preparation, curriculum development, professional development, and statewide outreach.
About Valley City State University
Valley City State University, a member of the North Dakota University System, is a student-focused institution committed to academic excellence and innovation. Founded in 1890 and located in Valley City, North Dakota, VCSU offers more than 65 undergraduate programs and graduate degrees. Known for its nationally recognized teacher education program and small class sizes, VCSU prepares students for success through hands-on experiences and strong faculty support. Learn more at www.vcsu.edu.