Requiring Higher Education Policy Commission to create and administer PROMISE Plus Program
Impact
The bill proposes a significant change in the state's approach to educational funding by mandating the Higher Education Policy Commission to establish specific eligibility requirements for the new program that are higher than those of the existing PROMISE Scholarship. This change is intended to attract academically inclined students to pursue higher education within West Virginia, as those who choose to leave the state after graduation must repay a portion of the scholarship funding, designed to encourage retention of graduates in the local workforce.
Summary
Senate Bill 259 introduces the PROMISE Plus Program, aimed at enhancing the existing PROMISE Scholarship Program in West Virginia. This new program will allow individuals who meet stricter eligibility criteria to receive additional financial support that, combined with their PROMISE Scholarship, covers the total cost of tuition. Implemented by the Higher Education Policy Commission, the PROMISE Plus program aims to expand higher education accessibility and affordability for students while ensuring that the total funding available does not exceed the budgetary limit set by the state treasury.
Sentiment
The sentiment regarding SB259 appears to be largely positive among proponents, who view it as a step forward in investing in the state's future workforce by making higher education more attainable. However, there may also be concerns regarding the strict criteria and repayment requirements that could create barriers for some students. Opponents might argue that the repayment policy could dissuade graduates from accepting jobs outside West Virginia, potentially limiting their opportunities and freedom of movement after completing their education.
Contention
Notable points of contention surfaced during discussions around the bill, particularly concerning the repayment clause for those who choose to live outside West Virginia post-graduation. Critics might argue that this policy could be seen as punitive, creating an obligation that may harm graduates seeking employment opportunities elsewhere. Additionally, as funding for the PROMISE Plus program is contingent upon state appropriations, there are concerns regarding sustainability and budget constraints that could impact the long-term viability of the scholarship program.
Establishing the dual enrollment pilot program to be administered by the Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical College Education in conjunction with the State Board of Education.
To create the Alabama Fits All Scholarship Program; require the State Board of Education to contract with a program manager to administer the program; to authorize the program manager to establish scholarship accounts on behalf of eligible students; to prohibit a program manager from accepting scholarship funds in certain circumstances; to require fiscal safeguards and accountability measures; to require eligible schools and service providers to meet certain standards to be eligible to receive scholarship funds; to authorize the program manager to distribute scholarship funds; to require the State Board of Education to provide limited oversight of the program manager, including an appeal process for the program manager's administrative decisions; to prohibit certain regulations of eligible schools and eligible service providers; to require criminal history background information checks for employees and officers of a program manager; to provide for program funding; and to require the program manager and the board to submit reports on the program to the Legislature.