Lycoming News

Tens of thousands of students would have more opportunities to pursue affordable post-secondary education and career preparation programs under a package of bills approved with bipartisan support by the Pennsylvania Senate this week.

The Grow PA package aims to create and expand programs connecting students to high-demand careers in Pennsylvania. The legislation not only makes education and career training more affordable but also provides incentives for students to remain in Pennsylvania after completing their degrees and certifications.

Senate Bill 1150, sponsored by Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Senator Scott Martin (R-Lancaster), proposes the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program. This program would provide grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in a high-demand industry, and agree to live and work in that industry within the state post-graduation. Recipients must reside and work in Pennsylvania for at least 15 months for each year they accept the grant; failure to meet this requirement would convert the grants into loans.

High-demand industries identified include agriculture, computer science, criminal justice, business, education, engineering, nursing, trades, special education, STEM education, and allied health. These industries may be adjusted with consultation from the Independent Fiscal Office.

Senate Bill 1151, also sponsored by Martin, introduces the Grow PA Merit Scholarship Program aimed at attracting high-performing out-of-state students to Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools. Merit scholarships will allow these students to pay tuition at in-state rates if they pursue degrees in high-demand occupations. Similar residency requirements apply as those under Senate Bill 1150.

“Pennsylvania faces serious economic and demographic challenges... Grow PA sends a powerful message that if young people are willing to learn here and put down roots here, we’re willing to invest in their future,” Martin said.

Senate Bill 1152, sponsored by Senator Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny), seeks to expand the Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program by increasing household income limits from $126,000 to $175,000 and lowering GPA eligibility criteria from 3.0 to 2.5. These changes could potentially make an additional 24,000 students eligible for assistance.

“I am thrilled...to expand the popular Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program,” Robinson stated. “Senate Bill 1152 will be a breath of fresh air for these individuals.”

Senate Bill 1153 from Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery) expands the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program nationwide for children attending PASSHE schools. The legislation waives tuition and mandatory fees after applying federal and state grants available to foster care or adopted children from other states.

“Many of our young...foster care kids across the nation [deserve] opportunity right here in Pennsylvania,” Pennycuick remarked.

Senate Bill 1154 introduced by Senate Majority Whip Ryan P. Aument (R-Lancaster) proposes adding performance-based metrics for funding state-related universities like University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University, and Temple University through standards developed by a new Performance-based Funding Council focusing on graduation rates among other indicators.

“A performance-based funding model will ensure our universities are focusing on...affordability...boosting our economy,” Aument said.

Lastly, Senate Bill 1155 sponsored by Senate Education Committee Chair David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill) plans to establish a Higher Education Task Force aimed at improving higher education programs including community college transfers and dual enrollment initiatives.

“Encouraging ALL...for a challenging future will better prepare our students for in-demand careers here,” Argall commented.

The Grow PA package also includes Senate Bill 750 which mandates high school seniors complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing FAFSA ensures families access vital financial aid information necessary for higher education pursuits.

More information is available at https://www.pasenategop.com/grow-pa-higher-ed/.

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