The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City today was awarded a $194,407 grant designed to draw more women into science and engineering teaching positions, according to a news release from Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.

The funds will be used to find ways to draw more women into science and engineering faculty positions at the School of Mines and other South Dakota institutions of higher ecuation, according to the release.

"Increasing the female science and engineering faculty at SDSM&T as well as other institutions in South Dakota could increase interest among female students in various science and engineering careers," Thune said in the news release. "The United States must remain competitive with other countries when it comes to science and math, and this funding will help in achieving that goal."

The funding is provided through the National Science Foundation's Division of Human Resource Development.