STEM Talent Advancement and Retention

The Delaware STEM Talent Advancement and Retention (STAR) Fund is a pilot initiative launched by the Delaware Division of Small Business in partnership with BioConnect DE. Designed to support the growth and sustainability of a highly skilled STEM workforce in Delaware, this program provides targeted financial support to graduates working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It encourages recent graduates from accredited institutions to either begin or continue their careers within the state by helping to alleviate the burden of student loan debt. Backed by a combination of state and private funding, the STAR Fund aims to solidify Delaware’s position as a competitive environment for emerging professionals in STEM sectors. Applicants who are selected may receive up to $6,000 toward their student loan repayment depending on their highest degree attained: associate degree recipients may receive up to $1,000; bachelor’s degree holders are eligible for up to $4,000; and those with graduate or post-graduate degrees can receive up to $6,000. All participants must hold a STEM degree from an accredited postsecondary institution and be employed full-time (35+ hours per week) by a Delaware-based employer. The employer must either be headquartered in Delaware, have at least 51% of their employees based in Delaware, or be registered to conduct business in the state with reported tax liability from the previous year. The STAR Fund is not open to all job types or industries. Eligible fields include life, natural, or environmental sciences; computer information or software technology; advanced mathematics or finance; engineering; and medical device technology. Preference is given to applicants who are permanent residents of Delaware or who earned their degree from a Delaware institution such as Delaware Technical Community College, Delaware State University, or the University of Delaware. Eligible applicants must submit a completed application through the online portal and include several supporting documents, including a signed employer endorsement form, resume, transcripts, student loan documentation, and personal statements. The application period for the STAR Fund runs from July 14, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Applicants must follow the two-part application process and are advised to prepare their personal statements in advance. Applications are reviewed in August 2025 by a committee consisting of representatives from the Delaware Division of Small Business, BioConnect DE, and workforce development professionals. Evaluation is name-blind and based on a competitive review process. Selected awardees will be notified in September and will receive award letters in October. Recipients must accept the award by countersigning and returning the letter within 30 days. Each awardee must submit a notarized certification within six months after each service period confirming continued eligibility, the amount of eligible expenses paid, that the loan is still active, and that no duplicate awards were used toward the same loan balance. Awardees also agree to the public release of limited identifying information, including their name, educational institution, and employer. While the STAR Fund is currently structured as a one-year pilot program, its long-term continuation may depend on program success and future funding allocations. Questions regarding the program or application process can be directed to info@bioconnectde.org. Applicants are encouraged to begin gathering required documentation ahead of the application opening date to ensure timely submission and full consideration.

Prepare your personal statements ahead of time in another program before entering them into the portal.