Bill > SB2527

This bill establishes the Mississippi Resident Promise Program, which provides financial assistance to community college students in Mississippi. The program offers Promise Grants to recent high school graduates who meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a Mississippi resident, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and being accepted to a public community or junior college in the state. To qualify initially, students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, graduate from high school, complete a home education program, obtain a High School Equivalency Diploma, or complete the International Baccalaureate Program. The grants cover the remaining tuition and required fees after all other state, federal, institutional, and private aid has been applied. To maintain the grant, students must make steady academic progress, maintain full-time enrollment, and keep a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Students can receive the grant for a maximum of four semesters or the time required to complete an associate degree, whichever is less. The program includes strict provisions against falsifying information, with potential misdemeanor charges and financial penalties for violations. Participating institutions must provide accurate student rosters, process refunds appropriately, and may be subject to audits by the administering board. The program will go into effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to support Mississippi residents in pursuing community college education.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/SB/SB2527.xml