Louisiana Senate Bill SR206

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/29/19
• Passed: 5/30/19

Caption

Requests the Louisiana Community and Technical College System to continue a pilot scholarship program for certain adults.

Impact

The focus on adult education through scholarships is expected to contribute significantly to economic growth in Louisiana. The resolution notes that adults participating in scholarship programs have shown higher academic success, improving persistence rates and grade point averages over traditional high school graduates. This suggests a positive trend in adult education outcomes, which could result in a more skilled and productive workforce that is essential to the state's economic future.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 206 urges the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) to sustain and expand a pilot program that provides public postsecondary education scholarships to adult students who have achieved an alternative high school diploma. The resolution emphasizes the importance of higher education in meeting the workforce needs of Louisiana, as many high-demand jobs require more than a high school education. The initiative aims to uplift underemployed and unemployed adults by improving their educational access and skills to foster self-sufficiency.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR206 appears to be largely positive, recognizing the necessity of aiding adults in accessing higher education. Supporters argue that continuing the pilot program is a forward-thinking approach that aligns educational outcomes with the evolving job market. There are indications from the data that these educational initiatives can lead to improved workforce participation, reflecting a commitment to educational equity and economic prosperity.

Contention

While the resolution itself does not exhibit overt contention, it implies a broader context of educational reform and the importance of enhancing access for non-traditional students. Challenges may arise in securing adequate funding and resources to expand the pilot program effectively, as the resolution stipulates that scaling will depend on funds raised by the colleges or appropriated to them. Ensuring diverse funding sources and stakeholder support will be critical for the program’s sustained success.