Senator’s bipartisan legislation makes it easier for Arizona veterans to obtain a STEM scholarship and fully utilize their educational benefits
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema has introduced bipartisan legislation that expands veterans’ access to a scholarship program supporting studies in the growing fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
“Equipping Arizona veterans for emerging job opportunities is one way to show our deep appreciation for their work protecting our freedoms,” said Sinema, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
The Veteran STEM Scholarship Improvement Act—cosponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)—makes it easier for veterans to qualify for the Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Program. This scholarship offers up to $30,000 in benefits, for what would be a fifth year of study, to students pursuing STEM degrees. Currently, a qualified student veteran must be enrolled in a program that exceeds 128 hours, however Sinema’s bill would lower that requirement to the much more common standard of 120 credit hours. Arizona State University, the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University all offer 120 hour STEM programs. Empowering veterans in STEM disciplines increases their likelihood of career stability in the new economy as the transition to civilian life.
Sinema has long been a champion for finding bipartisan solutions to assist Arizona’s veterans and their families. Sinema’s bipartisan LEGION Act—which grants veterans who served in non-declared conflicts membership to the American Legion—recently passed the U.S. Senate and moved to the U.S. House. Additionally, Sinema recently championed the bipartisan Jobs and Childcare for Military Families Act, which boosts hiring for military spouses and improves military families’ access to affordable childcare.
