Landmark College — the first institution of higher education that serves exclusively neurodiverse individuals — will receive the bulk of an $8 million federal grant intended to promote STEM education and research in southern Vermont.

The Putney-based school will see $6.1 million of the National Science Foundation award, according to a Wednesday press release. Other partners on the initiative — dubbed the Science and Technology Research Initiative for the Southern Vermont Economy — include Bennington College, Community College of Vermont and Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation.

The joint initiative aims to stimulate science, technology, engineering and mathematics educational and professional development opportunities in otherwise underrepresented communities, and will help grow the economies in Bennington, Windham, Windsor and Rutland counties, according to the announcement.

The four institutions will work with local governments, businesses and advocacy groups to support and expand research, internships, trainings and other opportunities for students and educators, as well as employees and employers. 

“At Landmark College we are thrilled to forge partnerships with local colleges, businesses, government, and nonprofits to advance neuroinclusive STEM research that will, undoubtedly, lead to economic and social benefit for the region,” Adam Lalor, vice president for Neurodiversity Research and Innovation at Landmark College, said in the press release.