The Obama administration announced its budget today focusing on clean energy jobs and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Any individual looking for a stable career should pay attention to these fields.
The budget discussed the importance of clean energy and infrastructure in job creation, which translates to more jobs in the engineering and science fields. Already, these fields are among the highest paying, as well as the most stable. For instance, civil and environmental engineering jobs are expected to grow much faster than average, according to the Department of Labor. The department also reports that the average salary for these two careers is around $74,000 a year.
Most careers in these fields require an education, which means that if you want to make this kind of money, you need to get a degree. Luckily, the government will help you pay for it. The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) will give eligible students enrolled in a STEM subject up to $4000 for their third and fourth years of college.
For those just entering college, there is good news for you, too! The budget includes a $17 billion increase in Pell Grant funding. This federal grant awards low income students up to $5350 a year for the purpose of getting an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Both of these grants can be used to help pay for an accredited degree online.
You can find the Pell Grant application online, which is also known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The online FAFSA grant form will also allow you to see an instant estimate of the aid that you will receive.
February 2, 2010
Glad to hear about this. STEM degrees have been in decline for quite a while now and are in need of some much deserved attention!
Obama’s making good strides in Education.
May 4, 2010
I am a fan of all of Obama’s programs. I think we are destroying our world and we need to be more aware of our impact on the world.
June 19, 2010
frank is right, it’s up to this generation to get the planet back on track. great article!
June 21, 2010
I am a great supporter of Obama and his programs. I think going to school online is a step in the right direction. No travel, no gas used. It sounds good.
July 5, 2010
This article is really inspiring. I am very distraut about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and now I want to do something to prevent things like this in the future. How do I begin on my quest?
July 14, 2010
There is certainly a great need for clean energy. I am just starting college and have always been a dreamer. Do I need a bachelors degree to go into environmental studies?
August 4, 2010
I believe Obama has made some really good decisions regarding education. He is very anxious to see all student motivated to get a college degree, and it is a really good thing.
August 7, 2010
Just by going to school online, insteat of in a classroom, saves energy, and therefore contributes to helping to save the earth. Online school may be one of the answers we need.
August 8, 2010
Clean energy, clean the earth, clean the air, this is what I want to do. I am very concerned about the state of our environment, and I want to be a part of the clean up. Can I get financial aid for this degree?
August 8, 2010
I have been taking courses in environmental engineering online and am halfway to my degree. Now I find that I am running out of money, due to the stock market. Is is possible to get financial aid in mid stream?
August 8, 2010
I am very concerned about all of the chemical we are eating, breathing, drinking, and living with. I believe it is the cause of many cancers and want to be a part of the fix. Is this a degree I can get online?
September 1, 2010
I am very interested in helping to keep our world green. I am in school right now getting my degree in nursing, but I am thinking of switching. I already have financial aid for nursing, will I be penilized for switching?
September 20, 2010
I’m glad that this administration is taking on a greater role in pursuing renewable energies. Not only is it good for our environment, but it is good economically.
November 21, 2010
The Obama administration is on the right track. The nation thatwill lead the owrld will be the nation that has the best education population. We need to encourage all young people to get a enducation and finances should not be the determining factor.
November 23, 2010
Thank you for the wise critique. Me & my neighbour have been making ready to perform a little research about that. We acquired a great e book on that matter from our native library and most books the place not as influensive as your information. I am very glad to see such info which I used to be searching for a protracted time.This made very glad! Anyway, in my language, there aren’t much good source like this.
January 9, 2011
These programs are a great step in the rigt direction for all of us. I am thrilled with all of the financial aid available for these degrees.
January 19, 2011
Hey John. You can either receive in associate’s of science in environmental studies or go on to get a bachelor of arts in environmental studies. Good luck!
February 22, 2011
Hey Herman. It is never too late to apply for financial aid! Try your hand at finding scholarships and grants to fund the rest of your degree.
February 22, 2011
Hey Maybelle. There are many scholarships out there for those interested in the environment and going green! You can also find federal funding through grants and student loans.
February 22, 2011
Hi Cheryl. Check with your financial aid advisor to see if your nursing finaid can transfer over to a different program.
March 4, 2011
I’m almost certain there’s more green scholarships and grants going around. Do you know how whether online schools are helping students with internships?
March 17, 2011
Hi Tory. Many colleges and universities have career centers that can assist you with planning your career which includes using job openings and websites to find internships.
July 20, 2011
Hey Ralph, there are many “green” careers out there, perhaps an environmental degree would be right for you? Check out our Back to School page for a few personality tests that might help you make your decision. Good luck!