A team based at the University of Southern Maine has received a $3.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to promote careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among students with disabilities.

The five-year grant will fund the development of an alliance involving USM and several Maine community colleges and high schools that will provide support and training to teachers and students.

The Eastern Alliance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will hold its first meeting this afternoon at Portland High School. The alliance includes Portland, Deering, Casco Bay and Bonny Eagle high schools, as well as Southern Maine and Central Maine community colleges.

The alliance is expected to serve about 500 students during the life of the grant, according to USM officials.

About 20 percent of U.S. citizens have a disability, but they account for only five percent of the work force in scientific and engineering fields, USM officials said.

The alliance will develop coordinated, multi-disciplinary experiences to encourage students with disabilities to pursue careers in science and technology. The experiences will include college-level preparatory classes; summer technology camps for high school students; undergraduate research scholarships for college students; and mentoring opportunities with working scientists.

The alliance also will evaluate institutional structures and resources to identify and clear obstacles to these careers. Starting in January, it will offer workshops for teachers on how equipment and classroom materials can be modified to support students with disabilities.