FSU's Panama City campus has received the largest federal grant in its history. The $512,000 grant will provide 30 engineering students with over $7,000 in scholarships per year.

For the first time in the history of FSU Panama City, the school received a National Science Foundation grant.

Dr. Depuy, Dean of FSU Panama City, said, "I think we had one other grant that was larger, but it was a federal grant and we're very excited this was a federal grant because that's really the standard by which things are measured."

The administration of FSU's campus says it's a big deal when they're supported by the local or state science community, but they say it's an honor to be supported by the National Science Community. They say it means they are doing something right. The scholarship funds come on the heels of the engineering building, which is almost complete.

"The really neat thing about this is our new academic building with laboratories for the engineering programs will be coming online in the very near future."

The grant will allow the engineering school to increase the number of students in the program, which will naturally increase the number of graduates. The administration says it's a positive thing for the panhandle's economy.

"History has shown that engineering programs are the ones mostly associated with economic development, so this is a very good thing not only for our campus, but for our local economy as well."

The $512,000 grant will be spread out over the next several years. The first 10 scholarships will be awarded to students entering one of the four engineering programs this fall.

The scholarships will be awarded based on financial need and academic ability. If you're interested in applying for the scholarship, you're asked to contact the FSU Panama City Office of Financial Aid after this coming January.