PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB840

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB840

Introduced
3/10/25  

Caption

In reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for Targeted Industry Cluster Certificate Scholarship Program.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on state education funding and align educational programs with current labor market demands. By providing scholarships for shorter, industry-specific programs, the bill encourages faster entry into the workforce in areas with immediate demand, such as nursing and public health. The Department of Education is tasked with collaborating with the Department of Labor and Industry to ensure that the programs funded through this initiative adequately meet the state's workforce requirements.

Summary

House Bill 840 aims to amend the Public School Code of 1949 in Pennsylvania to enhance the Targeted Industry Cluster Certificate Scholarship Program. This initiative seeks to provide financial assistance in the form of grants for eligible students pursuing programs of study at approved educational providers. The primary goal is to help residents defray the costs of education in fields critical to the state's workforce needs, particularly in healthcare and public health disciplines.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB840 appears to be positive, particularly among lawmakers who prioritize workforce development and education. Supporters argue that enhancing the scholarship program can lead to better employment opportunities for residents and ultimately strengthen the state's economy. Nonetheless, there may be concerns raised about funding sustainability and the selection process for eligible programs, which could spark debate among various stakeholders in education and industry.

Contention

Notable contention surrounding the bill may arise from discussions on how scholarships are allocated and which educational providers are deemed eligible. Critics could argue that the bill may not adequately address the needs of all educational institutions or potential students, and there might be worries about the effectiveness of the targeted programs. Additionally, defining what constitutes 'immediate workforce needs' could be a point of debate, potentially leading to differing opinions on the priorities that the state should focus on in workforce training and education.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB262

In reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for Targeted Industry Cluster Certificate Scholarship Program.

PA SB1112

In reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, providing for reimbursements for merged school districts.

PA HB2154

In reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, providing for reimbursements for merged school districts.

PA HB2172

In reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, providing for reimbursements for merged school districts.

PA SB930

In reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for student-weighted basic education funding.

PA HB2313

In reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, providing for school district reorganization study.

PA SB1150

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.

PA HB1225

In reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for payments on account of pupil transportation.

PA HB1489

In Ready-to-Succeed Scholarship, further providing for agency; and adding provisions relating to funding for higher education by providing for limitation on funding for University of Pittsburgh, for limitations on funding for supplemental support to the agency and the State System of Higher Education and for study for divestiture of University of Pittsburgh.

PA HB114

In reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for student-weighted basic education funding and for special education payments to school districts.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.