South Lancaster News

The Senate Education Committee has approved a series of bills aimed at enhancing post-secondary education and career training opportunities in Pennsylvania. The package of bills, known as the “Grow PA” post-secondary education reform plan, includes measures to make higher education more accessible and to incentivize students to stay and work in the state after graduation.

One of the key components of the Grow PA plan is the creation of new scholarship programs. Senate Bill 1150, sponsored by Senator Scott Martin, would establish the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program, offering grants to in-state students who pursue degrees in high-demand industries and commit to living and working in Pennsylvania after graduation. Senator Martin emphasized the importance of retaining young talent in the state, stating, “These bills offer the promise of a brighter future for Pennsylvania by focusing our investments on the industries that will help Pennsylvania grow economically and demographically in the years ahead.”

Additionally, Senate Bill 1152, introduced by Senator Devlin Robinson, aims to expand the Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program, making it more accessible to a broader range of students. Senator Robinson highlighted the financial burden that many students face when pursuing higher education, stating, “Senate Bill 1152 will be a breath of fresh air for these individuals, their families, and our entire communities.”

Further enhancing the accessibility of education, Senate Bill 1153, sponsored by Senator Tracy Pennycuick, seeks to expand the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program nationwide, allowing children in the foster care system and those who were adopted to benefit from financial aid and tuition waivers when attending Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools.

In addition to these measures, Senate Bill 1154, introduced by Senator Ryan P. Aument, proposes adding performance-based metrics to funding for state-related universities, ensuring accountability and aligning educational outcomes with workforce needs. Senator Aument emphasized the importance of linking higher education to career opportunities in Pennsylvania, stating, “Moving to a performance-based funding model will create a direct pipeline from Pennsylvania institutions of higher education to Pennsylvania jobs, benefitting us all.”

As part of the Grow PA plan, Senate Bill 1155, sponsored by Senator David G. Argall, would establish a task force to review further improvements to higher education and career preparation programs, with a focus on enhancing community college transfers, dual enrollment, employer incentives, and student enrollment from out-of-state.

The bills will now move to the full Senate for consideration, with the aim of bolstering college affordability and expanding pathways to quality career opportunities for students in Pennsylvania. The comprehensive approach outlined in the Grow PA plan is designed to address the challenges facing higher education in the state and support the growth of a skilled workforce.