(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers today applauded the passage of H.R. 1501 – the National STEM Scholarship Database Act. McMorris Rodgers is a member of the Education and Labor Committee and an original cosponsor of this legislation that creates a searchable online database of financial assistance for the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“If our country is to stay competitive, we need home grown engineers, scientists and mathematicians,” said McMorris Rodgers. “I consistently hear from local companies in Eastern Washington about the need for a trained workforce and this process must start at the education level. The online database will serve as a one-stop shop for students with financial aid inquires. The goal is to encourage students to pursue higher education degrees in science, technology, engineering and math by helping them meet the rising costs of college tuition.”

The legislation directs the Secretary of Education to establish an online database where students pursing undergraduate or graduate degrees in STEM fields can search for scholarships, fellowships, and other programs of financial assistance available from public and private sources. The database will include specific information on programs targeted to individuals of a particular gender, ethnicity, or other demographic group; a link to the website of each program listed in the database; and general information on how to contact the sponsor of a financing program.