BELLINGHAM, Wash. — To help strengthen Bellingam Technical College’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs, the National Science Foundation awarded the school a nearly $650,000 scholarship grant.

BTC says over the course of five years, 36 low-income, academically talented students will receive scholarships to help connect them with regional engineering technology communities.

The college says this project is thanks to a partnership with Bellingham Makerspace, Western Washington University and the Port of Bellingham.

BTC hopes to increase student success rates and and access to STEM programs by providing financial assistance, mentoring and academic support.