About CMAST

The Center for Mathematical Achievement in Science and Technology (CMAST) program is designed to support, acknowledge, educate and train students from all walks of life that have chosen to major in STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics) fields. We have numerous scholarships, textbook awards, and programs in this department that are available to incoming freshmen and transfer students.

Vision

Grambling State University established the Center for Mathematical Achievement in Science and Technology (CMAST) in the fall of 2005 and received funding for the second phase in 2011. The Center seeks to increase the number of underrepresented minority graduates with majors in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). It is pursuing this agenda through the reform of all introductory STEM courses, through research in education, summer programs for a select group of students, scholarships, undergraduate research, and mentoring. The Center provides the means for GSU to engage in the systematic examination and improvement of instruction in introductory biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering technology, mathematics, and physics, thereby addressing a major obstacle, one which has limited the retention of students in STEM fields. By enhancing the role and function of science and mathematics in the curriculum, CMAST significantly raises the profile of study and career opportunities in STEM fields. The Center supports research on teaching methodologies and strategies of introductory college-level STEM courses and supports research in problem-based learning strategies, which involves student participation.

Mission

  • Increase the number of STEM majors.
  • Improve student performance in STEM courses.
  • Increase the average grade point average of STEM majors.
  • Increase STEM majors engaging in undergraduate research projects.
  • Increase STEM graduates enrolling in STEM graduate programs.
  • Increase the number of STEM graduates certified to teach K-12
  • Increase the number of STEM faculty that infuse an inquiry-based approach to teaching STEM content.

 

NSF Logo CMAST is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.