Democrats in the Kentucky House are backing a new proposed program to ensure free tuition for up to six semesters at the state’s community and technical colleges. The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program was formally unveiled Wednesday in the House chamber.
Budget Committee Chair Rick Rand says the legislation would assist entering freshmen. “Right now we’re not going to do non-traditional students,” Rand explained. “You would have to be right out of high school. It would be the last dollar in, so if you qualified for a pell grant, KEES scholarship, any other local scholarships you may get, whatever that gap is that is left. And we think that targets primarily middle income families.”
Rand says the legislation seeks to tap into a $700 million pool of money outlined in Governor Bevin’s budget plan. Instead of being escrowed as suggested by the governor, Rand believes the money should be invested in students today.
House Speaker Greg Stumbo says the initiative carries a price of about $20 million annually. “And before the nay sayers might come forward and say that’s too much to spend, I would say that’s not spending, that’s an investment,” said Stumbo. The Kentucky proposal is modeled after a similar program in Tennessee.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College President Augusta Julian says this initiative would help meet employers’ need for skilled workers. “I do think it will benefit economic development efforts across the state and also students who are on their way to bachelor’s degrees,” said Julian. “About half of our students at BCTC are working toward bachelor’s degrees.”
The assistance would be for in-state students who take 12 hours of classes per semester and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Eligibility would end once the student has received money for six semesters, earns an associate degree, or is four years out of high school. ?
