76 students to study in USA under government’s STEM program

Prime Minister James Marape congratulates STEM scholarship recipients and hands over passports to the students (PMs Media)

A total 76 students from various Schools of Excellence have been selected under the government's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics [STEM] scholarship program to study in the United States.

Prime Minister James Marape hosted a dinner at Port Moresby's Hilton Hotel to farewell the students on Sunday night.

He Highlighted that the STEM scholarship is a way forward for the country as the government embarks on sending top performing students in these fields overseas for further studies.

“The first batch of 43 students who went to certain universities in the US have done well in their first semester examinations with some receiving the President’s awards, this is good news for our country’s education system and the STEM scholarship program.

“This second batch to the US, we are looking forward to the same success. We will stay with you every step of the way and continue to support you. The government will increase the support via the annual national budget.

“This is a golden opportunity, and it comes once in a person’s lifetime, so I encourage you all to embrace it. I also want to encourage the Education department to continue with this program and never leave your God," Marape said.

A female recipient congratulated by Prime Minister Marape (PMs Media)

Prime Minister Marape encouraged the students to abstain from drugs, going out to parties but study hard and make their parents and the country proud.

He urged the recipients that they carry the hopes and aspirations of PNG and their tribesmen and women.

“I want you to complete your studies well and either look for employment opportunities back in the States and/or come back with an open mind as Papua New Guineans.

“Our first 43 students in the US did well and have set a benchmark for us all already. We encourage you to follow their footsteps and do better,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the National Department of Education’s Measurement Services Unit [MSU] does the selection based on individual student’s performance and their final national examination results.

Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra, when speaking at the farewell, said the scholarship program takes students from right across the country purely on merit and not from well to do and or rich parents.