THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology on Sunday announced that 1,701 students qualified for the 2021 Junior Level Science Scholarships Program.

DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo said qualifiers were identified using data analytics and evaluation of proxy indicators.

The applicants underwent eligibility screening using the JLSS E-Scholarship Application System, their grades in the first two years in college, and other pertinent requirements.

“Through the JLSS, we continue to be on the right track of strengthening the development of valuable human resources in the emerging fields in agriculture, engineering, health, and other advanced areas,” she said.

“We are optimistic that this new batch of future scientists, engineers, and even educators can give birth to innovations more so in extraordinary circumstances that we are experiencing for more than two years now,” she added.

The scholars will enjoy two to three years of tuition subsidy, monthly stipend, book allowance, and other benefits.

The JLSS program aims to support the education of third year college students enrolled in priority science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses in identified academic institutions.

It covers poor students and those with high aptitude in STEM. It aims to accelerate the production of science and mathematics teachers in secondary schools.

“While we continue to support students wanting to get degrees in STEM, it is equally important to take into consideration those who also aspire to teach in these fields,” Biyo said.

“We welcome their entry to the science community and hopefully all these qualifiers will end up working in critical S&T fields for the country in the future,” she added.