AUSTIN, Texas — Texas’ senior United States senator, John Cornyn, conducted a roundtable discussion with President Gregory L. Fenves and student veterans at The University of Texas at Austin on Aug. 28 to discuss Sen. Cornyn’s Veteran STEM Scholarship Improvement Act, which was signed into law earlier this month.
The new law broadens GI benefits for veterans in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
“Even with a unique set of skills and unparalleled work ethic, veterans’ transition from the military to civilian life can be difficult,” Cornyn said. “I’m glad my colleagues in the Senate have joined me in easing veterans’ transition by eliminating obstacles to federal resources. By broadening the Rogers STEM Scholarship, we can help more veterans take advantage of educational opportunities and support those who have done so much in support of our nation.”
Prior to the passage of the law, student veterans studying under the Rogers STEM Scholarship could only qualify for three STEM degree programs at UT. Now, that number has jumped to 25.
“Sen. Cornyn is absolutely committed to seeing that the next generation has the opportunity to thrive,” President Fenves said. “He is a champion of higher education. And in his nearly two decades in the Senate, he has earned the trust of Texans throughout the state.”
More than 400 student veterans currently study at UT. Three student veterans at UT Austin shared their experiences transitioning from the military to school using the GI Bill and discussed how the newly expanded Rogers STEM Scholarship will help them pursue their education.
“I ended my Army career with plans to do reconstructive work in areas of conflict in the Middle Eastern and North African regions as a post-military career,” senior Sabin Jacob said. “This would not have been possible without the GI Bill. Thanks to this incredible benefit, I am now pursuing a dual degree in civil engineering and Middle Eastern languages and cultures.”
