The Western Alliance to Expand Student Opportunities, directed by Fulton Schools Associate Professor Jan Andino, strives to broaden education in science, technology, engineering and math fields for students who have been historically underrepresented in those STEM studies. The alliance’s work is getting more support with the recent renewal of a $2.5 million National Science Foundation grant. The alliance, which includes 13 educational institutions across Arizona, Colorado and Utah, seeks to accomplish it goals by providing students research experiences, mentoring from peers and STEM faculty, summer programs and virtual workshops. Andino says the grant will promote collaboration on research and other educational endeavors that will uplift the next generation of diverse STEM students.