New Jersey City University has been awarded a $5.7 million federal grant to increase the number of Hispanic and low-income students attaining degrees in science, technology, engineering and math fields at the university, the school announced.

The five-year U.S. Department of Education grant -- for Project STEM: Evidence-based Approaches to STEM Enrollment, Retention and Graduation at an Urban Public Hispanic-Serving Institution -- provides for:

-- $750,000 for the purchase of state-of-the-art scientific equipment and software;

-- outfitting of student study spaces in NJCU's Science Building, currently under construction and renovation;

-- installation of lecture capture technology in science classrooms.

NJCU plans to introduce an innovative Summer STEM Academy for rising sophomores and incoming transfer students, as well as expand student research opportunities, officials said.

"This generous federal grant will impact significantly the future of STEM in New Jersey and beyond," NJCU President Sue Henderson said. "By increasing Latino participation in the STEM professions, we will take an important step toward strategically building our nation's workforce, strengthening our scientific community, and advancing global research and innovation."

Over the past 10 years, NJCU's STEM programs grew to approximately 14 percent of its undergraduate population and now number approximately 900 students.

"The awarding of this grant represents an important step forward for NJCU as the university continues to achieve excellence in STEM fields," NJCU Provost and Academic Vice President Daniel J. Julius said. "Our talented and committed faculty are absolutely essential to our ability to fulfill and enhance our mission for our students."

Officials say the goal of the initiative is to increase graduation rates and enhance the educational experience of STEM majors through improved laboratory facilities and academic support services.