Community/Junior College Grant Program; establish to provide financial aid to community/junior college students.
Under the bill, the Mississippi Postsecondary Education Financial Assistance Board will oversee the grant program, including setting eligibility requirements and administering grants, which can be awarded up to $3,000 per academic year. These grants are designed as last-dollar scholarships, meaning they will supplement any other federal or state financial aid the student receives. The availability of grants is contingent on appropriations, and the program is set to begin in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Senate Bill 2694 establishes the Mississippi Grant Program for Community and Junior College Students. This legislation aims to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible students attending public community and junior colleges in Mississippi. The primary objective of the program is to help students cover tuition and fees not already funded by federal grants, thereby reducing the financial burden of pursuing higher education in the state.
One notable aspect of SB2694 is the focus on maintaining grant funding through allocations from community and junior college athletic programs, which may raise debates about the prioritization of athletic versus academic funding. Additionally, there are strict eligibility criteria and conditions that students must meet, including academic performance standards and residency requirements. This could lead to concerns about the accessibility of these funds for lower-income students and the implications for student equity within the state's education system.