How the STAR Fund Helps STEM in Delaware

If you’re a recent STEM graduate looking to launch your career in a place where innovation thrives and your work makes a difference, Delaware might be your perfect match.

Delaware offers an unbeatable mix of career opportunities, lifestyle, and community for STEM professionals. It’s home to a fast-growing life sciences sector, nationally ranked research institutions like University of Delaware, and a rich history of scientific discovery—think DuPont’s legacy, now expanded by leading companies like Agilent, Incyte, Solenis, and Prelude Therapeutics.

In Delaware, your commute is measured in minutes—not hours. You can live in a vibrant downtown, scenic suburbs, or near the beach — all while staying connected to the Northeast corridor’s major metro areas. Philadelphia, New York City, Washington D.C., and Baltimore are within a short train ride or drive, making Delaware a strategic home base for STEM professionals who want both access and balance.

And unlike many tech hubs, Delaware offers:

• No sales tax and low personal tax burden (6th lowest in the country!)
•  Lower cost of living compared to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region
• A welcoming community where professionals can make a name for themselves
• Easy access to outdoor recreation, including beaches, biking trails, and state parks
• Vibrant arts, culture, and dining scenes, from Wilmington’s music festivals and theaters to historic small towns with acclaimed restaurants and local makers

Delaware doesn’t just attract talent — it invests in it.

Introducing the STAR Fund: Student Loan Assistance for STEM in Delaware

To help recent graduates build long-term careers in the First State, Delaware has launched the STEM Talent Advancement and Retention (STAR) Fund—a student loan repayment program that provides up to $6,000 to STEM professionals working in high-demand fields.

The fund, administered by the Delaware Division of Small Business in partnership with BioConnect DE, is part of the state’s commitment to growing a skilled, inclusive, and future-focused workforce.

Who is Eligible?

The STAR Fund is open to individuals who:

• Hold an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution
• Work full-time (35+ hours/week) for a Delaware-based employer

Are employed in one of the following fields:

• Life, natural, or environmental sciences
• Computer information or software technology
• Advanced mathematics or finance
• Engineering
• Medical device technology

Preference is given to those who live in Delaware or attended a Delaware college or university.

What You Can Receive

• Depending on your degree, STAR Fund participants may receive:
• Up to $1,000 for an associate degree
• Up to $4,000 for a bachelor’s degree
• Up to $6,000 for a graduate or post-graduate degree

Awards can be received for up to four consecutive years, provided they don’t exceed your actual loan expenses.

Your Future, Backed by Delaware

Whether you’re working in R&D, software development, biotech, or sustainable engineering, Delaware offers a connected community, growing opportunities, and meaningful support for those who want to make an impact.

The STAR Fund is more than a financial incentive — it’s a statement that Delaware values your work, your education, and your future. For full program details and application information visit bioconnectde.org/star-fund.