"That post is about as a 1099-MISC. I am dealing with the 1099-NEC."

That post includes the explanation and has exactly what you describe:

"Schedule 1, Line 8: Line 8r
Scholarship and fellowship grants not reported on Form W-2. Enter the amount of scholarship and fellowship grants not reported on Form W-2. How-ever, if you were a degree candidate, include on line 8r only the amounts you used for expenses other than tuition and course-related expenses. For example, amounts used for room, board, and travel must be reported on line 8r."

And if it is for services (1099-NEC), then it requires a Sched C. In that linked article, I included the link for the IRS Pub, that applies to your situation as well:

Scholarship and Fellowship grants:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf