U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Susan Collins have introduced the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Modernization Act. This bill aims to deepen the bench of talent in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by modernizing the highly competitive undergraduate scholarship named after former Senator Barry Goldwater.
Goldwater was an Air Force veteran and five-term Senator from Arizona. The scholarship was initially established in the 1986 National Defense Authorization Act. The scholarship has helped nearly 10,000 sophomores and juniors across the country who intend to pursue careers in math, engineering, and natural sciences.
Over 140 recipients have come from Arizona.
Sen. Kelly has worked in many ways to help expand STEM job opportunities in Arizona, including urging Joe Biden to fully fund initiatives to expand semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S.
“Throughout this pandemic, we’ve seen just how crucial the contributions of researchers and scientists are to our global community,” Kelly said in a press release. “In order to outcompete China and other adversaries, we need to continue educating the best scientists and engineers in the world. This bill I am introducing today with Senator Collins will help support the next generation of young innovators, researchers, and engineers in Arizona and across the country who will go on to be leaders in innovation.”
Collins wants to encourage students to pursue careers that are cutting edge.
“The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is one of the most prestigious academic awards in the country, giving undergraduate students the chance to pursue challenging careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan bill would update and strengthen this program, ensuring that bright young people can continue their studies and prepare them for the jobs of the future that will keep our nation on the cutting edge.”
In its 35-year history, the Goldwater Scholarship has become the premier undergraduate scholarship for STEM majors. The bill would bring the scholarship into the 21st century by:
- Offering research internship stipends, in addition to academic scholarships, ensuring that students have additional opportunities to participate in research as undergraduate students – a critical foundation for a career in the sciences. The Foundation would work to place students in internships at national labs, companies, and other research organizations and provide a stipend to cover the students’ living and travel expenses during the course of the internship.
- Creating a pipeline for STEM careers for students of all backgrounds by expanding eligibility to undergraduate students who are U.S citizens and non-U.S. citizens.
- Investing in the professional development of Goldwater Alumni to continue the cultivation and support of Goldwater scholars after graduation.
