North Country Assemblywoman Addie Russell D-Theresa is promoting a new scholarship program created in New York State this year for high-achieving students planning to enter a career in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).

The program allows high school students in the top 10 percent of their graduating class to earn full-tuition for four or five year programs at a SUNY schools, provided they keep their grades up and work and live in New York for five years after graduation in a STEM-related field.

Russell represents the 116th Assembly District. It includes all St. Lawrence County communities along the St. Lawrence River, from Massena to Hammond, including Ogdensburg, Canton and Potsdam.

“The North Country is home to many high-tech industries and world-class universities,” Russell said. “This scholarship is an excellent opportunity that I hope many driven young people will take advantage of so they can write the next chapter of development in the region.”

Russell said in New York, STEM jobs are expected to grow 14 percent between 2014 and 2024, while other jobs will grow just 9 percent (vitalsigns.changetheequation.org/state/new-york/demand#fields-growing) and yet employers struggle to fill these positions because there are more jobs than there are workers qualified to do them, which hurts businesses (brookings.edu/research/interactives/2014/job-vacancies-and-stem-skills#/M10580).

“In the long-run, this scholarship will benefit all New Yorkers as we encourage and cultivate tomorrow’s industry leaders and secure a bright economic future,” Russell said.

For more information or to apply for this scholarship, visit www.hesc.ny.gov/stem.