Gregorio Sablan: “My amendment No. 337, which is included in the en bloc amendment No. 13, clarifies that students holding or expecting to…”

“My amendment No. 337, which is included in the en bloc amendment No. 13, clarifies that students holding or expecting to receive their associate degree can apply for the Technology and National Security Fellowship. Section 239 of H.R. 2500 creates a new Technology and National Security Fellowship program to help increase science, technology, engineering and math recruitment in our national security agencies. Those holding or expecting to receive undergraduate and graduate degrees may apply to be placed in national security-focused positions for one-year tours with pay. In support expanding this kind of opportunity for young people to serve their country. But why exclude otherwise qualified applicants simply because they are enrolled in an associate degree program at a community college? Over a third of students nationwide and over half of part-time students are in two-year colleges, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. In many parts of our country, including my district in the Northern Marianas, community college is the only option for students pursuing higher education. Other Defense Department programs for civilian students, such as the Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation scholarship program, are already open to applicants from community college students.…”