Richard Coe, assistant dean of the School of Applied Science and Technology
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has awarded more than $197,000 in scholarship funding to Thomas Edison State University to benefit qualifying students enrolled in academic programs related to the nuclear power industry.
“We are immensely proud that our institution has once again been selected for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Scholarship funding,” said Dr. John O. Aje, dean of the School of Applied Science and Technology at the University. “The grant is recognition of the enduring quality of our programs and enables the School to continually provide affordable degree completion options for its students.”
According to the NRC, funding under the scholarship program provides support for education in nuclear science and engineering with the objective of developing a workforce capable of supporting the design, construction, operation and regulation of nuclear facilities and safe handling of nuclear materials.
The NRC Scholarship was established in 2014. Since that time, the university has partnered with the commission to create degree templates aligned with the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP), an industry-led partnership that includes community colleges designed to prepare students to enter the nuclear power and nuclear engineering 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 program, scholarship award amounts will average $2,500 (each) to qualified students based on financial need and academic performance. The maximum scholarship award is $10,000. Those who qualify may apply for and receive multiple scholarship awards during the scholarship cycles. Students enrolled in the university’s undergraduate or graduate degree programs in nuclear energy technology, energy systems technology, electronics systems technology, radiation protection, cybersecurity, information technology or technical studies are eligible for the funding. In addition, students and graduates of nuclear-related programs at community colleges affiliated with the NUCP who are applying to the university are eligible for the scholarship.
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 to succeed and lead in the industry.
“The industry is working closely with higher education institutions to develop talent and a curriculum that prepares the emerging workforce to replace the surge of retiring baby boomers who are exiting the field,” said Coe. “The University has always been a great fit for industry employees who often already possess military training and professional licenses and certifications. Our ongoing collaboration with the NRC and this latest phase of scholarship funding will help us continue providing educational access to these students.”
Learn more about the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Scholarship.
Toni M. Terry, BA