Louisiana Senate Bill SR113

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/16/18
• Refer: 4/17/18
• Report Pass: 5/7/18
• Passed: 5/11/18

Caption

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

Impact

The proposed scholarship program aligns closely with similar existing programs, such as the TOPS-Tech program, which serves recent high school graduates. It seeks to attract adults who might not have access to traditional education avenues due to their educational backgrounds. The resolution emphasizes the importance of enhancing the educational qualifications of Louisiana's workforce, which is crucial for the state's economic health and competitiveness. However, the bill stipulates that the pilot program will not require additional funding from the legislature, relying instead on private contributions and realignment within existing financial aid frameworks.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 113 urges the Louisiana Community and Technical College System to design a pilot program providing public postsecondary scholarships for working-age citizens who possess an alternative high school diploma and have scored at least a seventeen on the ACT. The primary objective of this resolution is to facilitate access to higher education for adults lacking the requisite qualifications to meet the demands of high-paying, high-demand job markets. By doing so, it aims to transition these individuals from underemployment or unemployment to roles within a skilled workforce, contributing positively to Louisiana's economic growth and productivity.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SR113 seems generally supportive, especially among those who advocate for educational reforms and workforce development. Proponents argue that expanding educational opportunities for adults who have not completed traditional high school pathways is a necessary step toward building a more capable and skilled workforce. However, there might be reservations regarding the reliance on private funding for the program, raising discussions about sustainability and equity in access to educational resources.

Contention

While there is notable support for SR113, potential contentions may arise regarding the effectiveness of utilizing private contributions for educational scholarships. Critics may voice concerns about the dependency on non-state funding which could lead to inconsistencies in program availability. Moreover, there may be debates about ensuring that the targeted population can adequately benefit from this scholarship program, given the various educational barriers previously encountered by these individuals. The requirement of a minimum ACT score of seventeen could also be a point of contention for those advocating for more inclusive educational opportunities.