Dartmouth College has announced a $25 million gift from alumnus James Coulter (’82) and his wife, Penny, that will serve as a foundational component of the college’s new STEM-X program. 

The $100 million program is designed to increase access and leadership opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and prepare the next generation of leaders in these fields. The Coulter gift, which boosts total investment in the program to $60 million, will scale several pilot and discipline-specific initiatives under one university-wide strategy and establish and endow an undergraduate scholarship program.

“The stakes for society are high. We must channel the creativity and innovative thinking of today’s students to shape the creation and implementation of new technologies,” said Jim Coulter. “To meet the challenges of tomorrow, we need all the talent we can muster and teach. Dartmouth can do its part by embracing diversity as we recruit and educate future STEM leaders.” 

“Jim and I are heartened that Dartmouth is stepping forward to prioritize the development of a strong pipeline of diverse STEM talent,” said Penny Coulter. “Through this gift we hope to help support an equitable system of STEM education that removes obstacles and propels scores of students into impactful careers.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Bo Shen)