Mississippi House Bill HB147

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

"Mississippi Promise Scholarship Act of 2022"; establish to provide tuition assistance for tuition-free community and junior college attendance.

Impact

The Mississippi Legislature recognizes that the state struggles with low higher education attainment levels compared to national averages. This act aims to raise the proportion of Mississippians with postsecondary credentials from 32% to 55% by 2030. The scholarship will not only help students financially but also serve as a motivational tool for those considering higher education. It also addresses the workforce needs of local employers who report a shortage of skilled workers, underscoring the importance of equipping students with the necessary skills for emerging jobs.

Summary

House Bill 147, known as the Mississippi Promise Scholarship Act of 2022, aims to improve postsecondary education access by creating a scholarship program that provides last-dollar scholarships to students in Mississippi. The program is designed to cover tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students after other forms of financial aid, such as Pell Grants, have been applied. This initiative focuses on increasing the number of students pursuing higher education by making it financially accessible, particularly for those enrolling in community colleges or pursuing associate degrees.

Contention

While the scholarship program has broad support for its goals of increasing educational attainment, there are concerns regarding funding and resource allocation. The bill states that funding for the scholarships will come primarily from a portion of the Mississippi Lottery proceeds. The reliance on lottery funds raises questions about potential fluctuations in availability and sustainability of the program over time. There are also concerns that the criteria for maintaining eligibility may be challenging for some students, particularly nontraditional learners and those requiring flexible enrollment options.