Due to the fact that American students have recently scored poorly in the science and math sections of standardized tests, President Obama recently unveiled initiatives to improve educational programs in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. These efforts have been extended to the higher education sector, inspiring many organizations, institutions and state governments to promote education on STEM subjects.
To make STEM degrees more appealing to students, many schools now offer online degree programs in these subject areas as a way to entice students to pursue a STEM degree. These convenient online programs afford students a wealth of new opportunities and potential ways to earn their STEM degree. Texas Governor Rick Perry recently announced his support of a $100 million program to help students pursuing STEM-related degrees or certificates.
The STEM Challenge Scholarship program is intended to foster regional partnerships between colleges, school districts and employers in order to create and distribute financial aid awards in order to attract students to degree programs and careers in related industries.
Officials are hoping that the scholarship programs will encourage colleges and universities nationwide to design and implement programs in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics that will meet the needs of businesses seeking to employ educated and knowledgeable employees. A proposed plan will also provide tuition assistance to some college students seeking to become educators themselves, in the areas of math and science.
Currently, the state provides $80 million to universities to help them increase their graduation rates, particularly in STEM fields. Prospective employers in these industries are launching similar initiatives to entire students to pursue STEM-related careers. For example, Tech Collective, a Rhode Island-based information technology (IT) and bioscience association, recently partnered with three other organizations to launch scholarship programs for students working toward degrees in IT-related subjects. Students interested in pursuing technology related fields will be delighted to hear that many states are empowering universities and colleges with millions of dollars toward their career placement and assistance programs.
A total of five scholarships worth $7,000 are available through three different awards. The Lighthouse Computer Services/Tech Collective scholarship will provide two $1,000 awards to high school or college students who are working pursuing careers in the IT industry and have some affiliation with the U.S. military.
There has never been a better time to take advantage of the many financial aid and tuition assistance programs currently being promoted and enacted. The Obama administration has taken great strides to promoting the scientific future of our country and there has never been a more ideal time for students to get involved and discover the incredible opportunities available through STEM fields.
Students who wish to take advantage of the growing opportunities in STEM-related industries may consider applying for similar awards that can help them finance an online bachelors. Online colleges and accredited degree offer students a sprawling array of potential career paths to follow and allow prospective students the ability to pursue their education goals from the comfort of their own home. These programs empower students to pursue their online bachelor degree on their own schedule and work from the convenience of a remote location. There has never been a better time to discover the benefits of online school!