The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has awarded more than $194,000 in scholarship funds to Thomas Edison State University to benefit students enrolled in undergraduate programs related to the nuclear energy industry.
“Being awarded the NRC scholarship grant is recognition of the quality of our programs and will remove the barrier of cost for many qualifying students,” said Dr. John O. Aje, dean of the School of Applied Science and Technology at the university. “This allows the School of Applied Science and Technology to provide affordable educational opportunities that attract and retain students who otherwise might not be able to enroll in our programs.”
Students enrolled in the university’s undergraduate degree programs in Nuclear Engineering Technology, Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology, Electronics Systems Engineering Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology and Radiation Protection/Health Physics are eligible to apply for the scholarships. In addition, students and graduates of nuclear-related programs at community colleges affiliated with the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program who apply to the university are also eligible for the NRC scholarships.
The university partnered with the NRC to create degree templates aligned with the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program, an industry-led partnership involving community colleges designed to prepare students to enter the nuclear workforce. As part of this effort, the university has developed articulation agreements with community colleges throughout the country that are participating in the program.
Under the two-year NRC scholarship program, the university will award 25 $2,000 scholarships and 10 $4,000 scholarships per year, based on need and academic performance, to qualified students. The application period for these scholarships opened on Nov. 1.
Dr. Richard Coe, assistant dean in the School of Applied Science and Technology at the university said the scholarship support will help ensure that the university’s nuclear energy-related programs continue to prepare its graduates, many of which have already advanced to key positions, succeed and lead in the industry.
“There is a conspicuous need in the field to prepare its next generation as educational standards are becoming more exacting and a surge of managerial-level staff are reaching retirement,” he said. “The university has always been a great fit for industry employees who already possess military training and professional licenses and certifications. Our ongoing collaboration with the NRC and this latest scholarship funding will help us to continue to meet the educational and career needs of our students.”
Toni M. Terry, BA