ST. BONAVENTURE — The National Science Foundation has awarded St. Bonaventure University almost $600,000 to help recruit talented students interested in science, technology, engineering and math for fall 2015.

The five-year grant of $594,287 allows the university to provide more need-based aid to talented students who might not otherwise be able to attend St. Bonaventure.

"While we have no way to consider all the variables contained within the FAFSA determination, we would anticipate that most students whose family income is below $175,000 annually would demonstrate need," said Troy Martin, director of financial aid.

Martin urged prospective students to file their free application for Federal Student Aid no later than Feb. 15. Students should also apply for admission to the university by Feb. 15.

Titled "Discovery Within Community," the program's primary objective is to recruit for the fall 2015 freshman class a cohort of 25 academically-talented students with financial need to the biology, chemistry, computer science, math and physics programs.

But its secondary objective is to enhance STEM support services to improve academic performance and increase student retention rates.

The grant proposal cited research that a cohort model and sharing classes and a residence hall improve the educational experience, said Dr. Peter Schneible, OFM, assistant professor of biology.

"St. Bonaventure has always taken seriously its role as a mentoring community so this program is a perfect fit for us," said Schneible, who will serve as principal investigator and oversee administration of the program.

The program will provide field trips to companies and connect students to internship and job placement opportunities.