; and (2) maintain such security clearance until the conclusion of the participant’s period of obligated service under section 2200p(c)(1). 2200r. Refund for failure to complete program (a) In general A STEM Corps participant shall refund to the United States an appropriate amount, as determined by the Secretary, in the event that the participant does not— (1) complete the educational program for which financial assistance has been provided under section 2200n; (2) meet the academic requirements described in section 2200n(d); (3) complete the service obligation described in section 2200p(c); or (4) obtain and maintain a security clearance as required under section 2200q. (b) Treatment as debt An obligation to reimburse the United States imposed under subsection (a) is for all purposes a debt owed to the United States. (c) Waiver The Secretary of Defense may waive, in whole or in part, a refund required under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that recovery would be against equity and good conscience or would be contrary to the best interests of the United States. 2200s. Industry and institutional participation (a) Sponsorship agreements with defense contractors (1) Contribution agreements The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Administrative Agency, shall seek to enter into agreements with qualified defense contractors under which— (A) the contractor will contribute not less than $40,000 to the Administrative Agency, to be used to provide financial assistance to STEM Corps participants in accordance with section 2200n; and (B) in exchange for each contribution of $40,000 under paragraph (1) for a year— (i) the Administrative Agency will, to the extent practicable, place one STEM Corps participant in an internship with the contractor in accordance with section 2200p(b)