HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESB 6684

BYSenators Zimmerman, Smitherman, Anderson and Johnson

Establishing a pilot project of early outreach programs for middle school or high school students.

House Committe on Higher Education

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (12)

      Signed by Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Barnes, Basich, Fox, Jesernig, Miller, Nelson, Prince, Silver, Unsoeld and K. Wilson.

House Staff:Susan Hosch (786-7120)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION FEBRUARY 17, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Changing academic standards for entrance to postsecondary institutions and rising costs for education have made it important for middle school and high school students, along with their parents, to engage in early planning for a successful postsecondary experience.  It has been found that many students decide by the 8th grade whether they will be college bound.  It is argued that outreach programs at this important developmental stage would provide middle school and high school students with encouragement and support to shape their educational aspirations.

SUMMARY:

The Higher Education Coordinating Board will establish a pilot project consisting of early outreach programs to provide guidance and information to middle school or high school students.  The pilot project will employ work-study eligible college students as advisors, providing outreach information for the middle school and high school students.  Participating college students will provide information regarding scholarships, work opportunities, student financial assistance options, and academic requirements for college-bound students.  The pilot program will begin in the 1988-89 school year and continue for two academic years.

The board will ask the public and private institutions of higher education in this state to submit proposals for outreach programs.  The board will select those proposals which will be a part of the pilot project in an open and competitive manner.  The board may establish an advisory panel with members representing the middle schools and high schools, and financial aid and admissions personnel from colleges and universities.  The board will evaluate pilot programs and report to the Legislature on outcomes and recommendations by December 1, 1991.

Fiscal Note:      Requested February 17, 1988.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Shirley Ort, Higher Education Coordinating Board.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This program is modeled after the Hero program in Illinois.  Under the program, college students, eligible for work study, will provide counseling and information to high school and middle school students.  The Higher Education Coordinating Board will match state work study funds with federal SSIG moneys to pay the salaries of the college students providing the counseling.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.