At last week’s Maseeh College commencement ceremony, the engineering and computer science graduates wore traditional dark gowns, but 28 stood out with white honor cords signifying Latin Honors. These cords, awarded to students with GPAs of 3.9 or higher, reflect a high academic standard. The impressive achievements of these EAGLES and other scholars highlight the program’s success in removing financial and logistical barriers, enabling students from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds to thrive in STEM fields.
EAGLES (Engagement Achievement and Graduation for Low-income Students) is a program funded by the National Science Foundation, designed to support low-income and underrepresented students pursuing STEM degrees. It operates on a principle that educators know well but often struggle to address: talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not.
Bridging the Gap Between Talent and Opportunity
For many students at Maseeh College, excelling in demanding engineering and computer science programs requires focus, lab time, and collaborative project work. These demands are difficult to meet when students are balancing financial insecurity and other stressors.
“Managing courses, landing internships, making connections—these are challenges for any student,” explains EAGLES project coordinator Andrew Paiva. “But if you’re working long hours to make rent, unsure about how to pay for next term’s tuition, and don’t have a professional network in STEM, those challenges can feel insurmountable.”
EAGLES addresses these barriers with a comprehensive support model. The program provides financial assistance to close the gap between financial aid and the actual cost of attendance. If a student has $10,000 or more in unmet need, EAGLES covers the full amount. Scholars must maintain full-time enrollment, pursue a qualifying STEM major, and meet academic standards, but the program’s impact extends beyond tuition assistance.
Jacob Swanson, an EAGLES scholar, emphasizes the program’s value: “It’s an excellent opportunity to not only receive financial support, but to gain the backing of your cohort and the entire EAGLES team. The program offers professional skill development workshops, academic resources, and networking opportunities that are invaluable during your time in academia.”
A Lifeline That Goes Beyond Finances
EAGLES pairs financial support with workshops, mentoring, research opportunities, and a cohort-based model that fosters lasting connections. Paiva notes that the program “fills a really big gap in the barriers to students successfully graduating from college.” Many students, he says, have told him that they wouldn’t have been able to attend or graduate without EAGLES.
The program’s retention rates reflect its success: 88.7% overall, with some cohorts achieving 94%. For first-generation and low-income students in STEM—who often face higher attrition rates—these numbers are significant.
Jason Grajales, another EAGLES scholar, says, “This scholarship changed my life and helped me improve my professional career.”
Expanding Opportunity Beyond PSU
EAGLES also partners with Heritage University on the Yakama Reservation to create pathways for rural students in pre-engineering programs. Dean Joseph Bull of Maseeh College has been working to encourage more rural students to transfer to PSU by visiting Heritage’s campus and arranging networking opportunities for students from both institutions. While some students choose to remain in their home communities, the partnership creates vital opportunities that might not otherwise exist. “Put yourself out there,” advises Jovanna Quezada-Montano, an EAGLES scholar. “Experiences such as EAGLES can bring the best out of you.”
Critical Challenges Ahead
Despite its successes, EAGLES faces an uncertain future. After two no-cost extension years, the NSF grant funding the program is set to conclude. Antonie Jetter, Associate Dean for Research and David Wedge Vision Professor, explains the broader context: “We are hoping that we can fund similar projects in the future, when the EAGLES project is over. Unfortunately, NSF’s budget is looking grim, and all educational programs are on the chopping block. NSF created these programs as investments in domestic talent and to meet employer needs. Programs like EAGLES are important because it is still true that first-to-college and low-income students are less likely to graduate in engineering, science, or technology majors, let alone continue to graduate school.”
Jetter’s comments reflect the high stakes for both students and the industry. Without programs like EAGLES, the opportunities for first-generation and low-income students to succeed in STEM may diminish significantly. Paiva concurs: "Without them, we’re not just losing opportunities for individual students—we’re losing the future of STEM in this country."
Claire Warren, a sophomore chemistry major and the youngest person certified in Scanning Electron Microscopy at Lam Research, exemplifies the impact of this support. With EAGLES funding, she has achieved remarkable milestones and will meet with Portland’s mayor and Oregon’s governor this summer to discuss her research. Her journey began with a scholarship that closed the financial gap between aid and actual costs.
“Joining EAGLES brings nothing but more opportunities and experience,” says Trinity Perrin. “You’ll be welcomed by a group of diverse EAGLES who all share knowledge, experiences, and friendship. The funding and mentorship make a huge difference.”
Looking Ahead
The white honor cords worn at commencement symbolize more than academic achievement—they represent the transformative power of opportunity. EAGLES scholars are thriving because they’ve been given the resources to focus on their potential rather than their financial struggles.
As the program continues into the 2025/26 academic year, its future depends on securing additional funding. Jetter’s warning about the challenges of sustaining programs like EAGLES captures the urgency of the situation: “We can’t afford to waste their talents.”
Without initiatives like EAGLES, many talented students may never have the chance to pursue careers in STEM, leaving communities and industries without the diverse expertise they urgently need.