This project will contribute to the national need for well-educated scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and technicians by supporting the retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income students with demonstrated financial need at Fayetteville State University. A total of 30 scholars pursuing bachelor's degrees in biology, forensic science, mathematics, computer science, or cybersecurity will receive scholarships averaging $10,123 per year for up to five years. Scholars will receive faculty and peer mentoring, and the project will build strong scholar cohorts through co-enrolled coursework, STEM outreach, seminar participation, and residential learning communities. Additional activities for scholars will include course-based research experiences, intramural and extramural research internships, professional development workshops, and conference presentations. The overall goal of this Track 2 Scholarships in STEM project is to increase STEM degree completion of academically talented, low-income undergraduates with demonstrated financial need. There is a significant national need to grow the STEM workforce and nurture key talent that will ensure economic competitiveness and provide domestic leadership across critical sectors. This project directly speaks to this need by supporting STEM student success, which will strengthen the workforce in biology, forensic science, mathematics, computer science, cybersecurity, and other key areas of need. The project will be asse