SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
(§ 9809 of S. 610)

PURPOSE: NASA’s ability to recruit highly qualified scientists, engineers, and others in technology fields depends on a robust pipeline of graduates. The Science and Technology Scholarship Program will strengthen that pipeline by providing scholarships to guide students toward careers in academic disciplines needed by NASA. In exchange for such scholarships, students will be required to fulfill a service obligation with NASA upon graduation.

KEY FEATURES

• Individuals will be awarded scholarships through a competitive process.

• Students awarded scholarships will enter into a contractual agreement to serve as full-time employees with NASA upon graduation. The length of the service obligation is 24 months for each academic year for which a scholarship is provided. The total period of obligated service is limited to four years.

• Eligibility for scholarships is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher education in an academic discipline needed by NASA. Students who are Federal employees are not eligible.

• Scholarship recipients who fail to maintain a high level of academic standing or who are dismissed from their educational institutions or who voluntarily terminate academic training before graduation are liable for repayment of the scholarship.

• Scholarship recipients who fail to meet their service obligation after graduation are liable for damages equal to three times the scholarship amount.