Should the state expand popular Wavemaker Fellowship tax credits beyond those who work in science, technology, engineering, math and design fields?

HELPING HAND: The state recently announced the fourth round of recipients of Wavemaker Fellowships, which help STEM and design professionals defray student-loan debt.
Applications are open for the seventh round of the Wavemaker Fellowship program, which awards graduates working in certain fields a refundable tax credit that can cover student loan payments.

The state recently announced that 153 college graduates working in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design fields in Rhode Island will receive Wavemaker Fellowship awards.

The fellowship provides a tax credit designed to defray the cost of student loans for at least two years. The average annual award for the group of fellows is more than $3,700.

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According to the state, more than $6 million in student debt relief has been provided since the program started in 2016.

And 90 percent of the latest round of fellows are Rhode Island residents who chose to work in the state.

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The program is clearly doing its part to help stem the brain drain that Rhode Island employers have long felt has weakened the local workforce.

Lawmakers eager to limit the state’s use of tax credits have slashed spending for the program since it started. But should they focus more on the bigger picture, and consider opening the program to even more qualified students?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Should the state expand popular Wavemaker Fellowship tax credits beyond those who work in science, technology, engineering, math and design fields?

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