Bill > HB1717

This bill provides A+ scholarships for home school students who meet the program's eligibility requirements. The key provisions are: 1. It establishes the A+ Schools Program within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide grant awards to public secondary schools that demonstrate a commitment to ensuring all students graduate, complete challenging high school studies, and either earn college credits or proceed to college, vocational/technical school, or a high-wage job. 2. It allows non-public schools to apply for certification to the state board of education to have their students eligible for reimbursement of postsecondary education on an equal basis to public school students. 3. It exempts certain students, including home school students, from the two-year attendance requirement at an A+ certified school to be eligible for tuition, books, and fee reimbursement at public community colleges or vocational/technical schools. 4. It establishes specific eligibility requirements for home school students to qualify for the A+ scholarship reimbursement, including making a good faith effort to secure federal funding, maintaining a minimal grade average, and being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.