Bill > SB299

This bill establishes the Pennsylvania Promise Program, a comprehensive higher education financial assistance initiative administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The program provides scholarships and financial aid to three primary groups: traditional students under 24, adult learners 24 and older, and students attending various types of higher education institutions including community colleges, state-owned institutions, state-related institutions, and the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. The scholarships cover tuition and fees and, for eligible students with household incomes under $60,000, room and board expenses. Students must be residents of Pennsylvania, have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and meet specific enrollment requirements, such as being full-time students at most institutions. The program also includes provisions for adult learners seeking reeducation, with priority given to programs leading to industry-recognized credentials. A dedicated Pennsylvania Promise Program Fund will be established in the State Treasury to support these initiatives, and the agency will be required to provide annual reports to state leadership detailing program outcomes, including student demographics, scholarship amounts, and recommendations for improving higher education access and affordability. The bill aims to make higher education more accessible and affordable for Pennsylvania residents across different age groups and educational backgrounds.

Education

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb299