Plan would provide two years of tuition-free training

Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella released a plan Tuesday that would provide up to two years of tuition-free training, which could be applied toward occupational credentialing, technical certificates, or associate’s degrees.

Torsella is chairman of the Pennsylvania Tuition Advisory Board and oversees the state’s 529 college and career savings plan.

The Pennsylvania Skills Compact is modeled after a similar program in 16 states. The goal is to address the skills gap and to assist all Pennsylvanians regardless of economic status.

Students would be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form and use existing federal aid and state grants. The program would cover the remaining tuition and any mandatory fees.

Eligible institutions include four-year institutions that offer two-year degrees, specialized technical schools, and community colleges.

In its first year, the program will cost no more than $84 million, according to Upjohn Institute for Employment Research analysis, even with no federal aid and an estimated 20 percent increase in student enrollment. The program could be designed to minimize the impact on the state General Fund, the institute said.

Up to 42 percent of layoffs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will be permanent, according to Steven J. Davis, a University of Chicago Booth School of Business professor.