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3/18/2026
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Speaker Shekarchi, Senate President Lawson join R.I. Commerce in welcoming 102 fellows to 10th Wavemaker cohort
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Refundable tax credit program defrays student loan debt for Wavemaker fellows working across Rhode Island’s STEM/design, health care and education sectors
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Valarie J. Lawson joined Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor and Rhode Island Commerce today to welcome 102 Wavemaker fellows to the program's 10th cohort. The competitive refundable tax credit program reimburses Rhode Island professionals working across the state’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), design, health care and education sectors in order to help lessen student loan debt.
“Congratulations to each of the new Wavemaker fellows, and thank you for choosing to put your talent to work here in Rhode Island. Our state’s health care crisis remains a top priority for the General Assembly, and we are especially grateful that this year’s Wavemaker cohort includes primary care providers. We are thankful to everyone who continues to support this critical workforce program," said Senate President Lawson and Speaker Shekarchi in a joint statement.
Fellows are eligible to receive refundable tax credits for up to $6,000 per year up to four years, with reimbursement ranging from $1,000, $4,000, and $6,000 per year for associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees (or higher), respectively.
“Rhode Island’s workforce powers our businesses, our communities, and our future,” said Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor. “Strategic investments such as the Wavemaker Fellowship help businesses retain and attract the talent they need to succeed. We welcome the program’s newest cohort and look forward to their continued contributions to our state.”
This cohort includes fellows who represent:
Career field
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Advanced Mathematics and Finance – 8
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Computer, information or software technology – 3
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Engineering – 17
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Industrial design or other commercially relevant design field – 6
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Life, natural or environmental sciences – 1
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Medicine or medical device technology – 50
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Including 12 primary care providers (PCPs)
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Teaching – 17
Education level
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Bachelor’s degree – 41
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Master’s degree – 39
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Doctorate/Professional degree – 22
From Rhode Island higher education institutions (50):
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Brown University – 3
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Bryant University – 5
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Johnson & Wales University – 3
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New England Institute of Technology – 1
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Providence College – 4
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Rhode Island College – 8
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Roger Williams University – 6
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Salve Regina University – 1
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University of Rhode Island – 19
“Congratulations to this new cohort of Wavemaker fellows,” said Governor Dan McKee. “These talented Rhode Islanders are contributing to key industries across our state, and we’re proud to support their work as they build their careers here in our state.”
Each of this cohort’s fellows were approved for four-year service periods, resulting in total obligated awards of $1,312,110 for nonprimary care provider fellows and $232,998 for primary care provider fellows.
"It's truly inspiring to see so many young professionals in Rhode Island’s health care and medical fields awarded in this round of the Wavemaker Fellowship Program," said Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Richard Charest. "These individuals represent the future of our state’s health system, bringing fresh ideas, vital skills, and a deep commitment to caring for our communities. Supporting them – and ensuring they can build their careers here – is essential to strengthening our workforce and expanding access to high quality care. I’m proud to celebrate their achievements and excited for the impact they will continue to make across our state.”
In addition to this financial support, Wavemaker fellows are also invited to participate in programming and events that provide personal and professional development, network-building, and further community engagement.
Applicants are evaluated on a variety of criteria, including roles considered critical to Rhode Island’s economy, professional credentials and licensure, and demonstrated impact of the award on their decision to stay and work in Rhode Island.
In total, Rhode Island’s Wavemaker Fellowship has been awarded to more than 1,600 Rhode Islanders since the program’s establishment in 2016. In 2024, PCP fellows became a specific focus of the program, and in 2025 the first teacher fellows were announced. The next Wavemaker Fellowship application period is expected to open in spring 2026.
For more information, contact:
Larry Berman, Communications Director for the Office of the Speaker
State House Room 322
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 447-2655
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