The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has denied scholarships provided by the agency to well over half of the veterans who applied for them to help complete bachelor’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields.
According to a recent report, the Rogers STEM Scholarship – intended for veterans who run out of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits without getting a degree – was only offered to 37 percent of applicants, most of whom were white and male…
GAO recommended – and VA agreed – that the agency needs to do a better job at communicating with veteran about their Rogers STEM scholarship applications, and collect and use data needed to understand the application denial trends.
“Some of VA’s letters to veterans lack clear information about their applications and how to proceed. These letters can create confusion for veterans about how to obtain the scholarship,” the report says. “Without clearer communication, veterans may not fully understand the program, whether they are eligible for it, or how to apply for funds.” … Read the full article here.
