According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs, which already make up more than 1 out of every 10 jobs in the United States, are projected to grow about 13 percent between 2012 and 2022. Graduates in these fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) are in high demand, especially in New York, because of the limited number of candidates qualified for the jobs. That’s why Governor Andrew Cuomo’s STEM Incentive Scholarship Program is so important to SUNY and the future of our state’s economy.
Yesterday the Governor acknowledged the first recipients of these scholarships which provide full SUNY or CUNY tuition to students in the top 10 percent of their class if they are pursuing a STEM degree and agree to live and work in a STEM field in New York State for 5 years after graduation.
This program opens doors to a lot of different career options, and higher wages than any other disciplines. Approved STEM academic programs include computer and information science, engineering, biology, mathematics, medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry and much more. Upon graduation students can work in a number of occupations including but not limited to web developers, electrical engineers, microbiologists, post secondary math teachers, and forensic science technicians.
“We created the STEM Incentive Program to encourage our top scholars to pursue high-demand, high-tech careers in New York – and this first class of students is proof that tremendous opportunity awaits those who chose to build their future in this State,” Governor Cuomo said.
The inaugural class includes students from 53 counties in the state. Equal numbers of men and women were recipients of the 2014-15 year awards, which will help level the ratio of women working in the STEM jobs. The total number of students in the program are 653. Broken down in terms of schools, there are 576 students enrolled in SUNY STEM programs and 77 students enrolled in CUNY STEM programs.
This scholarship program is a great way for students who want to work in STEM careers to have a bridge to pursue their dream without having to be financially burdened. If you are interested in learning more about the New York State STEM Incentive Program or applying you can visit hesc.ny.gov.
