Grant-funded Programs

U.S. Department of Labor

PI: Dr. LaChelle Cunningham (SMU), Project LAUNCH, Project LIFT
September 2026 – August 2031

Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a federally funded college-access and career readiness program that empowers high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their educational and professional aspirations. ETS provides comprehensive support through academic advising, college and career planning, workforce readiness programming, mentoring, financial aid guidance, and college application assistance. Students develop essential skills for postsecondary success while exploring career pathways, strengthening workplace competencies, and engaging in experiences that prepare them for the demands of today's workforce. Through Project LAUNCH and Project LIFT, ETS serves approximately 1,200 students annually, helping participants successfully transition from high school to higher education and rewarding careers.

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U.S. Department of Education

PI: Dr. LaChelle Cunningham (SMU)
October 2022 – September 2027

McNair Scholars Project provides research and other scholarly support to SMU students annually who meet program eligibility criteria. Participants receive academic support services and participate in research and graduate school workshops. Participants also participate in the McNair Summer Research Institute that includes a research methods course and culminates in the execution of an undergraduate research project. The project serves 26 SMU students annually.

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U.S. Department of Education

PI: Dr. LaChelle Cunningham (SMU)
STEM: September 2022 – August 2027
SOAR: September 2022 – August 2027

Upward Bound Math Science is a pre-collegiate program that works with students through high school to prepare for college. Upward Bound Math Science services are similar to Upward Bound and are designed to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science. Students are provided hands-on learning experiences in classes such as engineering, robotics, biomedical sciences, 3-D printing, and information technology. Two projects (STEM & SOAR) were awarded for the new grant cycle from 2022 to 2027. These two grants serve 124 students primarily in Dallas ISD high schools.

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U.S. Department of Education

PI: Dr. LaChelle Cunningham (SMU)
Classic I & III: September 2022 - August 2027
Classic II: June 2022 - May 2027

Upward Bound is a pre-collegiate program that works with students through high school to prepare for college by providing academic support services. Upward Bound support services include high school course tutoring, preparation for SAT and STAAR, high school and initial college course advising, financial aid and scholarship application assistance, and career planning. Three projects (Classic I, II, & III) were awarded for the new grant cycle from 2022 to 2027. These three grants serve 225 students primarily in Dallas ISD high schools.

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