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6/15/2021 Senate approves Pearson bill expanding Wavemaker program to public school STEM teachers
STATE HOUSE — The Senate today passed legislation (2021-S 0045) introduced by Sen. Ryan W. Pearson (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln) that would expand the Wavemaker Fellowship Program to include public school teachers in the high-need fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Wavemaker Fellowship began in 2015 with legislation sponsored by Senator Pearson. It provides a financial incentive for graduates pursuing a career or starting a business in Rhode Island in STEM fields by defraying student loan payments for up to four years.  

“The program is intended to keep talented, educated people in Rhode Island, encouraging students to pursue STEM careers and bolster the state’s workforce to attract good employers in growing fields,” said Senator Pearson, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee. “This legislation would extend the program to high-demand STEM teachers, which are an integral part of the process of creating a workforce that is highly educated in STEM technologies.”

The program, which is administered by the Commerce Corporation, offers qualifying individuals a refundable Tax Credit Certificate worth the value of their annual student loan burden for up to four years. In addition to the financial benefit, Fellows are invited to participate in various personal and professional development programs, social and professional networking opportunities, community-based events and more. 

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. 



For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922