Bill > HB1446

This bill amends the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship Program to expand its scope and increase scholarship support for students pursuing technical and vocational education. The bill broadens the definition of "approved institution of higher education" to include public and private vocational-technical schools and technical institutes with various credentials, such as Title IV federal student aid eligibility and inclusion on workforce training provider lists. Eligibility requirements are updated to include U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and the list of high-demand fields is expanded to include manufacturing, construction trades, and logistics and distribution. The maximum scholarship amount is significantly increased from $800 to $2,500 per academic year, with the option to carry over unspent funds for multi-year programs. The bill also introduces a new reporting requirement for educational institutions, mandating annual reports to the Division of Higher Education that include graduation rates, job placement statistics, and starting salaries. The emergency clause emphasizes the bill's alignment with a recent constitutional amendment allowing lottery proceeds to fund vocational and technical school scholarships, highlighting the state's commitment to addressing workforce needs and providing educational opportunities for Arkansas residents.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1446&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R