By Finn Mills
A recently introduced House bill would give postsecondary students more opportunities for grants and scholarships related to careers in the nuclear and hydrogen energy fields.
This bill is part of a larger package of legislation to promote Michigan’s nuclear and hydrogen fields.
The proposals seek to “pave the way for advanced nuclear reactors, encourage innovation in the nuclear energy field and establish a workforce attraction and retention scholarship program,” according to a press release from the House Republicans.
The goal of the financial aid bill is to make the state a “more attractive location for the nuclear and hydrogen industry to expand operations” and to provide “incentives for postsecondary institutions and students looking to expand the talent pool while staying in Michigan to work,” said Nick Andry, the legislative director for the lead sponsor, Rep. Mike McFall, D-Hazel Park.
The bill says one way the state can support those industries is by creating educational programs that support development of skills and other resources that would be useful for operating such facilities.
For a college to qualify for the grant, it would now offer or plan to offer a scholarship program and grants to students who have committed to working in the nuclear or hydrogen fields for at least three years after graduation.
The money would go directly to the college which would then determine the criteria for students to earn a grant.
However, it is “unlikely” that any colleges currently qualify, according to Andry, because none now provide training programs to students who plan to work in the field..
This bill has eight Republican and two Democratic co-sponsors, including Reps. Jamie Thompson, R-Brownstown; Brian BeGole, R-Antrim Township; Karl Bohnak, R-Negaunee; Stephen Wooden, D-Grand Rapids; and Bill Schuette, R-Midland.
The legislation is pending in the House Energy Committee.