GI Bill Extension: The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
If you are pursuing higher education in an in-demand technical field, you may qualify for an extension of your federal military education benefits thanks to a program called the Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship. Technically speaking, this isn’t so much an extension of the GI Bill as it is a program meant to enhance it.
It is a scholarship, not a federal benefits program, and is used to provide additional funds to veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill for undergraduate STEM coursework.
Qualifying for the Rogers STEM Scholarship
Veterans and Fry scholars may qualify for this scholarship if enrolled in a “qualifying dual-degree program” or when the applicant has “a post-secondary degree or a graduate degree in an approved STEM degree field” and wants to participate in a clinical training program. Those with a post-secondary degree in a STEM field who need teaching certification may also apply.
Approved Programs for the Rogers STEM Scholarship
The full list of approved programs is extensive; this is a small selection from that list to give you an idea of the options:
- Agriculture science
- Natural resources science
- Biological science
- Biomedical science
- Computer services
- Information science and support services
- Engineering
- Engineering technologies or an engineering-related field
- Health care or a health-care-related field
- Mathematics
- Undergraduate medical residency
- Physical science
You can browse the full list of eligible STEM degree programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs official site.
Rogers STEM Scholarship Benefits
When approved for the STEM Scholarship, you may qualify for up to 9 months of added benefits or $30,000, whichever comes first. According to VA.gov, monthly benefits are the same as “the amount you received through the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship.”
STEM Scholarship Program Yellow Ribbon Options
Be advised that STEM scholarships do not allow the use of Yellow Ribbon program funds.
Transferring STEM Scholarship Benefits to a Spouse or Dependent
STEM scholarship benefits are not transferrable in any way.
STEM Scholarship Requirements for Undergrad STEM or Dual-Degree Programs
To be eligible for the STEM Scholarship in such cases, you must be in a STEM degree program for 120 standard semester credit hours, you must have completed at least 60 standard credit hours, and you must have 6 months or less of your Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship benefits remaining.
STEM Scholarship Requirements for Those in Clinical Training Programs
To qualify, you must have a STEM degree, have been accepted into a clinical training program, and you have 6 months or less remaining on any Fry Scholarship or GI Bill program.
Related: Using the GI Bill for On-The-Job Training
STEM Scholarship Requirements When Studying for a Teaching Certification
All of the following must apply: you have a post-secondary degree in a STEM field, are in a teaching certification program, with 6 months or less of your Post-9/11 GI Bill, or Fry Scholarship benefits remaining.
Find the Edith Nourse and other STEM Scholarships!
How to apply for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
Apply online at the VA official site. This is a 15-minute process, and it is best to have more uninterrupted time to complete your application in case you experience problems or have questions. Once the VA approves a STEM application, it notifies the recipient by mail with a formal notification letter and a copy of the applicant’s VA Certificate of Eligibility. You will also be formally notified if you were not approved for the STEM scholarship program.
Apply for the STEM Scholarship
Related: Can I Use the GI Bill to Buy a House?
About the author
Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.