This legislation is positioned to have significant implications for state laws relating to educational funding. With the proposed increase in minimum grants from $200,000 to $220,000, and the enhancement of other financial provisions, it enables educational institutions to better support students who are low-income or veterans. By mandating updates to performance metrics, the bill emphasizes accountability and the achievement of educational outcomes, potentially reshaping the landscape of federal educational aid and support.
Summary
SB1397, titled the Educational Opportunity and Success Act of 2023, aims to modify the Federal TRIO programs which are designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This legislation seeks to increase funding provisions for these programs, enhancing the eligibility of low-income individuals to access higher education through various federal educational programs. Importantly, the bill amends existing provisions to allow for larger minimum grants and the provision of stipends specifically for veterans participating in relevant projects.
Contention
The bill faces potential contention regarding the change in how success is measured in grant applications, moving from a focus on prior experience to prioritizing prior success in educational outcomes. This shift may raise concerns among institutions regarding their ability to qualify for funding under the new criteria. The added stipulations for veterans' education also highlight the focus on expanding opportunities specifically for this population, which could lead to debates over resource allocation among various groups of disadvantaged students.
Related
Educational Opportunity and Success Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and otherwise revises TRIO programs. (These outreach and student-services programs identify and provide services to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.) Among other revisions to the programs, the bill prohibits the Department of Education (ED) from rejecting TRIO grant applications based on certain errors; requires ED to provide additional technical assistance to interested grant applicants; revises the outcome criteria for measuring the quality and effectiveness of the programs, including those programs specifically designed for veterans; allows program administrators to use a student's most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine TRIO program eligibility; and increases the maximum stipend for students participating in the Upward Bound Program or the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.