Saxonburg-based II-VI Inc. will contribute $1 million during 2021 to enable students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

These contributions will be made to the II-VI Foundation, a private nonprofit whose two primary programs are block gifts for graduate students and undergraduate student scholarships, and the funds will further the company's environmental, social and governance initiatives.

Since 2007, the II-VI Foundation has awarded more than $29 million to STEM students in the form of scholarships, block-gift funding for research projects and funding for mini conferences, along with early education initiatives and postdoctoral fellowships.

More than 16,600 students have received awards from the foundation over the years, with 67 doctoral degrees and 41 master degrees awarded to students participating in foundation-supported research at 35 institutions of higher learning.

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