Vermont’s Congressional Delegation Celebrates STRIVE

United State Congress Logo.

Senators Sanders and Welch and Representative Balint were valued supporters of the NSF funding

Read more below about the funding announcement, including statements from Senator Welch and Representative Balint.

January 22, 2025 – PUTNEY, VT – The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced today that a joint initiative of Landmark College, Bennington College, the Community College of Vermont, and the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation has been awarded $8,000,000 in federal grant funding through the NSF Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).

This grant funding will be used to establish the Science and Technology Research Initiative for the southern Vermont Economy (STRIVE), a novel partnership of educational institutions, business leaders, advocacy groups, economic development corporations, and local governments committed to leveraging STEM research to grow the economy in Vermont’s four southernmost counties.

Headshot of Senator Peter Welch (D-VT).

Senator Peter Welch (D-VT)

“Expanding STEM research in rural America is crucial to solving some of the most pressing scientific and technological challenges we face today. Building strong partnerships between educational institutions, advocacy groups, and local governments to generate new STEM opportunities in rural communities is an essential part of that effort,” said Senator Peter Welch (D-VT). “This historic federal funding from the National Science Foundation will support the development of a more inclusive and innovative research ecosystem in Southern Vermont.” 

Headshot of Representative Becca Balint (D-VT).

Representative Becca Balint (D-VT)

“Vermont’s small businesses, educators, and students need federal investments to grow our economy and support our workforce, especially in rural Southern Vermont,” said Representative Becca Balint (D-VT). “I was so proud to support this project because I know the impact it will have on communities across Southern Vermont. This level of investment will allow for critical partnerships between colleges, public schools, and local businesses to thrive and ensure all Vermonters have access to STEM opportunities.”