Massachusetts students working toward careers in high-demand fields such as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and healthcare are eligible for a new scholarship program tied to the most critical employment needs, according to the state Department of Higher Education (DHE).
The Massachusetts High-Demand Professions Scholarship, created by the Massachusetts Legislature in FY13, will provide grants up to $6,500 per year for University of Massachusetts students, up to $5,500 for state university students, and up to $4,000 per year for community college students, beginning in spring 2013.
To be eligible, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and submit a transcript to show their commitment to programs of study in high-demand fields such as STEM; nursing and health professions, including radiology and occupational therapy; and finance and accounting.
Applications are due Jan. 15 at the DHE’s Office of Student Financial Assistance.
The scholarship program is aligned with the Vision Project goal of attaining national higher education leadership in workforce development.
DHE Associate Commissioner for Economic and Workforce Development David Cedrone, noted in a statement that with the size of high school classes declining, the program “may have particular value to the growing number of adult students who are returning to campus in search of new credentials to improve their value in the job market.”
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