Bay Path University hopes to encourage more women to work in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields with the recent $300,300 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant the school received, according to Massive.com.

This three-year project is aimed at increasing the engagement, retention and success of undergraduate women enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity, forensic science and biology.

Today women fill nearly half of the jobs in the U.S. economy. However, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, men outnumber women 3 to 1 in jobs in STEM fields.

The NSF grant gives the University a chance to support improvement in participation in underrepresented groups of women.

President of Bay Path University Carol Leary said providing access and support to women entering careers in the STEM fields is one of the school’s top priorities.

President Leary hopes that the grant will help the University to cultivate the skills critical for future chemists, scientists, and biologists and increase the number of women who pursue these professions.

A release from the university said that the funding from NSF provides resources and programmatic support for student mentors and tutors, materials and stipends for research, student travel and will allow the university to bring in guest speakers.

The grant will strengthen STEM curricula at Bay Path University, develop peer academic support and broaden the student participation in high-impact practices, according to the press release.

“These practices include early student research, mentoring by faculty and STEM professionals, academic enrichment and career exploration through internships and other experiential learning opportunities.”

Any initiative that supports balancing the genders in STEM education and fields has my support. I look forward to the innovations the women who benefit from this program will spearhead.