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There is a new program that may help you to pursue a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) program or obtain a teaching certification. The Department of Veterans Affairs now offers a brand-new pilot GI Bill program called the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarships.
The VA opened up the new pot of funding on October 1, 2020. Only individuals who are presently enrolled in an undergraduate STEM program or who already hold a STEM degree and are pursuing a teaching certification are eligible for the program.
Since this is a pilot program, funding is limited. In that case, if you are interested in the program, you should apply right away!
About the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarships
Some qualified Veterans and dependents working in high-demand fields can extend their Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship benefits thanks to the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship. In fact, the following undergraduate degree programs are eligible for this award:
- Computer and information science and support services
- Agriculture science or natural resources science
- Mathematics or statistics
- Biological or biomedical science
- Engineering, engineering technologies, or an engineering-related field
- Science technologies or technicians
- Health care or a health-care-related field
- Physical science
- Medical residency
The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act (Forever GI Bill) includes the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship, which provides additional advantages to students pursuing degrees in the high-demand disciplines of STEM.
These fields could require more training than others to earn a degree. Therefore, this program attempts to assist in making up for that discrepancy. Additionally, it provides additional encouragement for students who select the professions our society most urgently needs.
Program Benefits
You will receive a GI Bill extension of up to 9 months (or $30,000, whichever comes first) if your application is accepted. Additionally, the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarships are exclusively available for undergraduate degree programs, teaching certification programs, and covered health care professional training programs.
Additionally, if you are a STEM scholarship holder, you can now apply for the Veterans work-study program. This program can assist you in increasing your income while you are enrolled in a college, a vocational school, or a professional training course.
You can find a career that combines your passions, a need, and a connection to Veterans Affairs (VA) employment. For example, you might perform any Veteran-related work for a VA facility, the Department of Defense, or academic institutions.
Eligibility Requirements
Basically, if you satisfy at least one of these qualifications, you can be qualified for this award as a Veteran or a Fry Scholar:
- You are currently enrolled in a qualifying dual degree program or a STEM undergraduate program; or
- You hold a post-secondary degree or a graduate degree in a STEM-related discipline that has been approved, and you are enrolled in a clinical training program for healthcare professionals that is funded by insurance; or
- You have a post-secondary degree in a STEM-related discipline that has been authorized, and you are pursuing your teaching certification.
Next, if you are currently enrolled in a qualifying dual degree program or a STEM undergraduate program, all of these must be true:
- You are enrolled in an undergraduate STEM degree program that calls for the completion of at least 120 standard semester credits (or 180 quarter credits);
- At least 60 standard credits (or 90 quarter credits) have been earned toward your degree; and
- Your Post-9/11 GI Bill (or Fry Scholarship) benefits have 6 months or less left.
Meanwhile, if you are enrolled in a clinical training program for healthcare professionals that is funded by insurance, you are required to meet the following conditions:
- You hold a STEM-related degree that meets the requirements;
- You have been accepted or registered for a clinical training program for health professionals that is covered; and
- Your Post-9/11 GI Bill (or Fry Scholarship) benefits have 6 months or less left.
On the other hand, if you are pursuing your teaching certification, make sure to satisfy these criteria:
- You have a post-secondary degree in a STEM field;
- You have been admitted to or are enrolled in a program to become a teacher; and
- Your Post-9/11 GI Bill (or Fry Scholarship) benefits have 6 months or less left.
However, Veterans and Fry Scholars who qualify for the full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit (100% level) and need the most credit hours relative to other applicants will be given priority.
Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarships Application
Online submissions are available for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship applicants. Nonetheless, you will need the following to complete the application:
- Social Security number
- Information about your school and STEM degree
- Bank account direct deposit information
You will receive a confirmation message after submitting the form. To keep a record of it, print this page.
The committee will then make a decision regarding your application within 30 days. A decision letter or Certificate of Eligibility (COE) will be mailed to you. Bring the COE to the VA certifying authority at your institution if the committee has approved your application.
On the other hand, you will receive a denial letter in the mail or a claim status notification via email if your application is rejected.
Contact Details
Need some help troubleshooting any technical issues? Or, do you simply have additional questions regarding the scholarship that we have not covered here? In that case, please call the United States Department of Veterans Affairs customer service at 800-827-1000.
Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarships Official Website
To start your application, visit the official United States Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov and head over to Education and Training section. Otherwise, feel free to bookmark this page to keep yourself updated with more scholarships for STEM students.
