NRC Scholarship recipient Daniel Dodge and wife, Becca
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has once again awarded more than $199,000 to Thomas Edison State University’s Heavin School of Arts and Sciences programs in support of a two-year scholarship program.
The latest cycle of funding is anticipated to help more than 40 students enrolled in the school’s undergraduate Nuclear Energy Engineering, Electronics Systems Engineering Technology, Radiation Protection, Cybersecurity and Information Technology degree programs.
Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology student Daniel Dodge is one of those benefitting from the support. Dodge has received more than $10,000 in funding during separate scholarship cycles and anticipates closing the space to degree completion much more quickly as a result.
“The NRC Scholarship has served as an incredible relief through my degree journey,” said the Murrieta, Calif., resident and busy father whose career centers on health physics and radiation protection. “It has allowed me to focus more of my attention on family, work, and school; and less on the financial responsibilities related to tuition and graduation. If it had not been for the scholarship, I would have probably graduated sometime next year instead of this fall. My family and I are very grateful for this amazing opportunity.”
Previous and current NRC scholarship support continues to benefit many TESU students in related fields.
“Ongoing NRC scholarship support has helped significantly in eliminating the barriers to degree completion for more than 120 students in our programs,” said Dr. Richard Coe, assistant dean in the Heavin School of Arts and Sciences at the university. “This generous and ongoing funding underscores the NRC’s endorsement of our academic programs and the value they bring to the workforce.”
The scholarships often support qualified students who are active-duty U.S. Navy nuclear personnel and other military service members, military veterans, graduates of the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP) from 28 active Community College partners, and graduates of the University’s non-ABET accredited Nuclear Engineering Technology program who now wish to upgrade their degree status in order to graduate from the University’s ABET-accredited Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology degree program. To further fuel degree progression for these populations, the University’s innovative 3+1 Pathways Program allows New Jersey community college students to transfer up to 90 credits to TESU where they can complete the remaining 30 credits required for graduation. Students enrolled in relevant associate and bachelor’s degree programs can potentially qualify for up to $10,000 in scholarship support under the agreement as Dodge has.
“I chose TESU because of its practicality with my schedule since it was 100 percent online. I also chose TESU because of my academic track. TESU offered two of the specific degree programs that I was seeking, so it was a perfect match,” noted Dodge. “My experience since enrolling has far surpassed my expectations. I have been able to learn, retain and apply much more through the degree program than I thought would be feasible.”
The NRC and the entire nuclear energy community recognize a direct link between proper training, education and safe operation of nuclear facilities.
“Our curriculum is proven to meet the academic and career needs of a diverse pool of students who are current or future employees in the nuclear energy field where technical currency, practical knowledge and applied skills are mandatory in order to meet emerging workforce demands,” added Coe.
Students who receive NRC Scholarship support and can also apply for additional funding during upcoming scholarship cycles. The application period for these scholarships is open now through Feb. 28, 2023. Learn more about the NRC Scholarship and how to apply.
Toni M. Terry, BA