TX
Texas Senate Bill SB2398

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2398

Caption

Relating to establishment of the higher education pilot program for foster youth and former foster youth.

Impact

The pilot program will collaborate with local universities and community colleges, such as the Alamo Community College District and The University of Texas at San Antonio, to operate effectively. Institutions are expected to provide enhanced support services tailored to the specific needs of foster youth, ensuring flexibility in the application process, financial aid assistance, and robust health services. The initiative aims to bridge the gap for these young individuals, addressing unique barriers they face in pursuing educational opportunities and improving their chances of academic success and personal development.

Summary

SB2398 introduces a higher education pilot program aimed at supporting foster youth and former foster youth in Bexar County to improve their access and enrollment in postsecondary education. The bill mandates the Department of Family and Protective Services to establish a comprehensive outreach and assistance framework that includes intensive preparation for higher education, information on financial aid, career exploration, and financial literacy. By targeting this vulnerable demographic, the program seeks to enhance their understanding of educational benefits and opportunities and increase their overall enrollment rates in higher education without any costs associated with the support it provides, including transportation.

Contention

While the objectives of SB2398 are broadly supported as beneficial for foster youth, there may be discussions around the implementation aspects, such as funding, resource allocation, and the capacity of educational institutions to meet the additional demands placed on them. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the sustainability of the pilot program and its potential to be expanded statewide if successful, presenting an avenue for further legislative scrutiny concerning its funding and efficacy in meeting the needs of foster youth across Texas.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2645

Relating to a pilot program to increase the financial independence of foster youth who are transitioning to independent living.

TX SB1379

Relating to a pilot program to increase the financial independence of foster youth who are transitioning to independent living.

TX HB320

Relating to measures to assist students enrolled at public institutions of higher education who are homeless or who are or were in foster care.

TX HB1142

Relating to measures to assist students enrolled at public institutions of higher education who are homeless or who are or were in foster care.

TX SB1073

Relating to measures to assist students enrolled at public institutions of higher education who are homeless or who are or were in foster care.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB115

Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB68

Relating to free tuition for youth in foster care.

TX SB1

Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

TX SB174

Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.

CA AB1344

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

CA AB70

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

CA AB3167

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: highly qualified private nonprofit institution.