DHS provides funds for promising students

DHS Student and Alumni Network

The Homeland Security Department's Science and Technology Directorate has awarded 103 new scholarships and fellowships to undergraduate and graduate students who are studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The recipients are involved in courses of study that are crucial to DHS' mission, according to the agency. The DHS Scholars and Fellows Program is designed to encourage and aid public service-oriented students who will make up the next generation of scientists and engineers.

“I welcome the class of 2006 to our diverse, innovative and highly motivated cadre of U.S. students, who are excelling in science and engineering disciplines at colleges and universities across the nation,” said Jay Cohen, undersecretary for science and technology at DHS. “I’m confident of their contributions to the DHS mission, and we are confident that this program will better equip them for success."

DHS gave 41 scholarships and 62 fellowships to the class of 2006. The students represent more than 60 U.S. academic institutions. DHS brought them to Washington, D.C., last week for an orientation session, including meetings with DHS researchers and managers.

The program has sponsored 439 scholarships and fellowships since its inception in 2003. The scholarships, for undergraduate students, cover tuition and fees and a $1,000 monthly stipend. It also makes the students eligible for research internships after their junior year. The graduate fellowships also include tuition and fees, plus a $2,300 monthly stipend.

Both awards last for one year. Students may request renewal of scholarships for one additional year, and they can try to renew fellowships for as many as three additional years.