Bill > HB780

This bill establishes the Early Childhood Educator Tuition Assistance Program to provide financial support for individuals pursuing associate degrees or certifications in early childhood education. The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, offers grants to applicants who meet specific eligibility criteria, including having a household income at or below 400% of the Federal poverty level, being enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester, completing other financial aid applications, and working at least 25 hours per week in an approved early childhood education program. The grants will cover the cost of attendance minus other scholarships or grants, disbursed in two equal payments. To receive continued funding, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and agree to work in a Pennsylvania early childhood education program for at least two years after completing their studies. The bill also creates the Early Childhood Educator Tuition Assistance Fund in the State Treasury, which will be funded through annual appropriations and federal government contributions. Additionally, the agency is required to publish an annual report by September 1st each year, detailing student enrollment, retention rates, wage data, and comparisons of job demand to credential completion rates, with the report to be submitted to various government officials and committees.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=780