THE Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute on Sunday announced that 2,669 students qualified for the 2023 Junior Level Science Scholarships Program.

The scholars will enjoy tuition subsidy, monthly stipend, learning materials and/or connectivity, allowance and other incentives for a minimum of two years starting in the first semester of Academic Year 2024-2025.

The DOST-SEI said that 12,566 took the pen-and-paper qualifying examination administered in various testing centers nationwide on August 27, 2023.

In addition, 331 more potential qualifiers were also under consideration, pending resubmission of requirements for further evaluation.

“We are delighted to welcome these young talents who have shown high potential in science and technology. They shall join the future S&T movers and leaders of our nation, and their innovative contributions can be instrumental in achieving inclusive development for our country. We are happy to support them in their remaining two or three years in college,” said DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo.

The JLSS has three component programs — the Merit Scholarship, S&T Scholarship and the Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship.

The Merit Scholarship and S&T Scholarship programs aim to support the overall goal of increasing the number of scientists and engineers who will help boost knowledge creation and economic productivity in the country.

The Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship, meanwhile, supports the execution of the K to 12 law by creating a pool of scholar-graduates who can competently teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in secondary education.

“The JLSS, along with the other S&T scholarship programs we administer, is a testament of the Institute’s commitment to developing the country’s pool of high-quality S&T human resources which can ultimately lead to the advancement of the nation,” Biyo said.

“We will continue to empower them through the various support programs we offer while they enjoy the scholarship to ensure that they are well-equipped when they join the S&T workforce,” she added.