Florida 2022 Regular Session

Florida House Bill H1309

Introduced
1/7/22  
Refer
1/12/22  
Refer
1/12/22  
Refer
1/12/22  

Caption

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Matching Endowment Scholarship Program

Impact

The bill will have a significant impact on state laws related to higher education funding. By appropriating $2 million to the State Student Financial Assistance Trust Fund for this purpose, it provides a structured means of supporting HBCUs financially. Each participating institution is required to provide $500,000 in matching funds by June 30, 2023, thereby ensuring that state investment is complemented by institutional commitment. The program is designed to benefit students who demonstrate a financial need, thus fostering greater accessibility to higher education for underrepresented populations.

Summary

House Bill 1309 establishes the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Matching Endowment Scholarship Program in Florida, aimed at providing financial support to participating HBCUs within the state. The bill specifies that the Florida Department of Education will administer the program, which is intended to augment scholarship opportunities for students enrolled at these institutions. By requiring HBCUs to contribute matching funds, the program aligns state funding with institutional support, encouraging investment in educational resources for students with unmet financial needs.

Contention

While the establishment of the HBCU Matching Endowment Scholarship Program is a positive step towards supporting historically black colleges and universities, there may be points of contention regarding the implementation and sustainability of matching fund requirements. Critics could argue that the financial burden placed on HBCUs to match state funds may limit participation, particularly for smaller institutions with fewer resources. Additionally, there might be discussions around the adequacy of the $2 million appropriation relative to the number of eligible students and institutions, prompting further debate on effective funding mechanisms for equitable educational support.

Companion Bills

FL S1866

Similar To Historically Black Colleges and Universities Matching Endowment Scholarship Trust Fund/Department of Education

FL S1868

Similar To Historically Black Colleges and Universities Matching Endowment Scholarship Program

Previously Filed As

FL H1399

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

FL H0571

Florida Medical School Scholarship and Grant Program

FL H0249

1920 Ocoee Election Day Riots Loans and Scholarships

FL H0017

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

FL H0025

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

FL H1417

First in Your Family Florida Medical School Scholarship and Grant Program

FL H1309

Reading Interventions and Instruction

FL H0423

Family Empowerment Scholarship Program

FL H5101

Education

FL H0167

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.