New STAR Fund will reimburse student loans to help Delaware attract, keep high-quality STEM employees

June 27, 2025

Delaware has taken a big step toward strengthening the statewide innovation and technology workforce.

The new STEM Talent Advancement and Retention (STAR) Fund – which was created through partnership between the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) and BioConnect DE, a jobs-focused initiative of the non-profit Delaware Center for Life Science Education and Training – will provide tuition reimbursement awards for student loans of up to $6,000. The STAR Fund was conceived as a way to incentivize, retain and attract graduates from accredited post-secondary colleges and universities who are currently employed or considering employment in Delaware in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

By offering financial support for student loan payments, the STAR Fund aims to bring top talent to Delaware and keep it here, ensuring that the state continues to grow its workforce in key industries.

“Retaining a young, diverse workforce is key to sustaining Delaware’s economy,” said DSB Director CJ Bell. “I believe the STAR Fund will be a blueprint for how we retain talent and continue our effort in becoming the innovation hub of the Mid-Atlantic.”

Center for Life Science Education and Training Chairman Michael Fleming agreed.

“Developing and retaining a world-class STEM workforce is the highest priority for the life science industry in Delaware, and the STAR Fund will be an important tool in keeping great research and business talent here in our state,” Fleming said. “We are pleased to partner with DSB on this important initiative.”

The STAR Fund was made available through the General Assembly’s 152nd Grant in Aid Bill and contains $100,000. The application portal opens July 14 and ends July 31, and awards are expected to be made in October.

To apply, the individual must:

• Hold an associate, bachelor’s, graduate or post-graduate STEM degree from an accredited postsecondary institution.
• Work in one or more eligible fields:
  • Life, natural or environmental sciences
  • Computer information or software technology
  • Advanced mathematics or finance
  • Engineering
  • Medical device technology
• Be employed full-time (35-plus hours per week) by a Delaware-based employer that:
  • Has a principal place of business in Delaware.
  • Has at least 51% of employees working at a Delaware-based location.
  • Is registered to conduct business in Delaware and reporting Delaware tax liability the previous year.

Preference is given to applicants who are permanent Delaware residents and who attended a Delaware college or university.

The STAR Fund offers tuition reimbursement as follows:

• Associate degree: Up to $1,000
• Bachelor’s degree: Up to $4,000
• Graduate/post-graduate degree: Up to $6,000

Award amounts are available for up to four consecutive years but cannot exceed the actual loan expenses incurred.

Further information about the program can be found here.

BioConnect DE was created to accelerate the engagement, training and delivery of a robust life science workforce. We equip Delawareans of all backgrounds with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in life science careers. BioConnect DE is meant to serve as a cornerstone of Delaware’s workforce development, enhance its local economic development and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the regional life sciences community.

The DSB is a state agency offering a variety of services to help small businesses start and grow in Delaware. For startups as well as established companies looking to expand, the Division’s team of regional business managers provide one-on-one assistance and counseling. This includes help with navigating government processes and identifying funding opportunities along with connections to DSB’s many resource partner organizations. Details about all of the programs and services the Division offers are at business.delaware.gov.