Bill package addresses post secondary education

The state Senate Education Committee recently advanced a seven-bill package designed to help more young people pursue post-secondary education and career training.

Senate Bill 1150 would create the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program. The program would offer grants of up to $5,000 annually for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in a high-demand industry, and agree to work in that industry and live in Pennsylvania for at least 15 months after graduation.

Senate Bill 1151 would create the Grow PA Merit Scholarship Program. The program would attract high-performing out-of-state students to Pennsylvania educational programs in Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools by allowing them to pay tuition at in-state rates.

Senate Bill 1152 would expand the Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program by raising household income limits to $175,000 and allowing students with at least a 2.5 GPA to qualify.

Senate Bill 1153 would expand the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program to allow adopted and foster children from other states to attend PASSHE schools.

Senate Bill 1154 would add performance-based metrics to funding for state-related universities.

Senate Bill 1155 would develop a task force to review additional improvements to higher education and career preparation programs.

Senate Bill 750 would require high school seniors complete the Federal Student Aid application.