Siena has officially been awarded $1 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for its “Next Generation STEM Laboratory and Maker Space,” a priority project aligned with the University’s continued growth in science and workforce preparation.
Also known as an earmark, the CDS funding was approved earlier this month by Congress through the enactment of the FY26 federal minibus appropriations package. The application was made through the office of U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
“On behalf of the entire Siena community, I am profoundly grateful to Senator Schumer for his extraordinary leadership and steadfast advocacy in securing this transformative $1 million federal investment for our STEM laboratory equipment and maker space,” said President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D. “This remarkable support will dramatically elevate how we prepare our students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, empowering them with the kind of immersive, hands-on learning experiences that spark discovery, fuel innovation, and strengthen our nation’s workforce. Senator Schumer’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to state-of-the-art educational resources will have a lasting and far-reaching impact — not only for Siena students, but for the broader community throughout upstate New York.”
The University received an initial $1 million for this project in FY24 after submitting a CDS proposal for nearly $2.5 million.
The funding will support specialized equipment and infrastructure improvements within Siena’s expanded science facilities. The proposal highlighted Siena’s ability to prepare students for high-demand careers, outreach to regional schools, and support the Capital Region’s growing STEM workforce, reinforcing the University’s momentum in advancing high-impact academic infrastructure.
“We are grateful to Senator Schumer for championing this investment in Siena’s STEM students and faculty,” said Anne McCarthy, Ph.D., dean of the School of Science. “This generous $1 million in funding will empower our learners and researchers to explore, create, and solve real-world problems. It enhances our ability to deliver experiential education and strengthens our mission to inspire the next generation of science, technology, and health professions leaders.”
The award represents the successful culmination of a proposal that was initially advanced in the prior fiscal year but not funded when appropriations bills were replaced by year-long continuing resolutions. With passage of the FY26 legislation, Siena’s project moves from draft inclusion to final enactment, ensuring the $1 million allocation. The University received an initial $1 million for this project in FY24 after submitting a CDS proposal for nearly $2.5 million.
Siena’s also secured a $496,541 earmark for nursing education equipment in FY23 through U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY20).
