In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and establishing the Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program.
Impact
The introduction of the Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program will amend existing education laws to incorporate additional definitions and requirements for scholarship eligibility. This aligns with the state's broader goals of increasing access to higher education for out-of-state students while addressing local workforce needs. By incentivizing graduates to remain in Pennsylvania, this program seeks to enhance the demand for skilled professionals in various in-demand occupations, thereby benefitting the local economy.
Summary
House Bill 2279 establishes the Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program aimed at providing merit scholarships to nonresident students attending institutions within the State System of Higher Education starting from the 2025-2026 academic year. This new program outlines specific qualifications for students, such as maintaining a minimum GPA and entering into an agreement that requires them to seek employment within Pennsylvania in their field of study after graduation. The intention behind the program is to attract and retain talented students who can contribute to the state's workforce and economy.
Sentiment
Feedback on HB 2279 reflects a general support for enhancing scholarships as part of state educational initiatives, although concerns exist around the requirement for students to remain in the state post-graduation. Proponents argue that the bill will generate a more skilled workforce and facilitate better employment rates for graduates, while critics caution about potential challenges for students who may seek employment opportunities elsewhere, highlighting issues of personal agency and job market realities. Overall, sentiment appears to favor the bill as a step towards improving higher education access in Pennsylvania.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include the enforceability of the employment requirement and the potential risks of limiting students' choices for their post-graduation plans. Critics argue that mandatory employment contracts could deter potential applicants, particularly those from outside the state. Additionally, there are concerns about how the program will be monitored and which entities are responsible for compliance with the employment stipulations, raising questions about the overall effectiveness of the initiative in fostering a positive climate for nonresident students.
In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and providing for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; providing for institutions of higher education, for Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program and for intercollegiate athletics; in ready-to-succeed scholarship, further providing for agency; and making a repeal.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program; prescribing powers and duties of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; providing for scholarships for tuition and fees, scholarships for room and board and aid for adult reeducation; and establishing the Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program Fund.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program; prescribing powers and duties of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; providing for scholarships for tuition and fees, scholarships for room and board and aid for adult reeducation; and establishing the Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program Fund.
Establishing the PA Teacher Pipeline Scholarship Program; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and certain institutions of higher education.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program; prescribing powers and duties of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; providing for scholarships for tuition and fees, scholarships for room and board and aid for adult reeducation; and establishing the Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program Fund.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program; prescribing powers and duties of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; providing for scholarships for tuition and fees, scholarships for room and board and aid for adult reeducation; and establishing the Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program Fund.
In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and providing for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; providing for institutions of higher education, for Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program and for intercollegiate athletics; in ready-to-succeed scholarship, further providing for agency; and making a repeal.
Establishing the PA Teacher Pipeline Scholarship Program; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and certain institutions of higher education.
Providing for individual empowerment scholarship accounts; and establishing the Pennsylvania Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program, the Department of Education Empowerment Scholarship Fund and the State Treasurer Empowerment Scholarship Fund.