SENATE BILL REPORT

                  2SHB 1814

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

               Higher Education, March 21, 1995

Title:  An act relating to the Washington award for vocational excellence.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to the Washington award for vocational excellence.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representative Carlson).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  3/21/95 [DP-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

  Signed by Senators Bauer, Chair; Kohl, Vice Chair; McAuliffe, Prince, Sheldon, West and Wood.

Staff:  Jean Six (786-7423)

Background:  In 1984, the Legislature created the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) program.  Through the award program, up to three students in each legislative district are annually honored for their outstanding performances in occupational training programs.  The students are selected for their achievements, leadership abilities, and community contributions.  At least two of the three students selected in each legislative district are expected to be graduating high school students.  The program is administered by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

WAVE recipients who received their award before June 30, 1994, receive a tuition and fee waiver at all state supported colleges and universities.   Students may continue to receive a waiver for two years of postsecondary work.  Receipt of the waiver depends upon the students entering a state college or university within three years of high school graduation.  Students may receive the waiver in their second year of postsecondary study if they maintain a three-point grade point average or an above average rating at a technical college.  WAVE recipients who received their award after June 30, 1994 will continue to receive a waiver at technical colleges.  The other state colleges and universities have the option of waiving all or a portion of tuition and fees for these students.

Summary of Bill:  State supported colleges and universities waive tuition and fees for up to two years for WAVE recipients who received their award before June 30, 1994.  The Higher Education Coordinating Board administers a grant program for students who receive their award after that date.  The recipients may receive a grant that does not exceed the annual tuition and fees at a research university.  Students may use the grant to attend an institution of higher education, independent college or university, or licensed private vocational school located in the state of Washington.   In order to receive a grant, recipients must enter a college, university, or private vocational school within three years of high school graduation.   Recipients must attain a three-point grade point average or, at a technical college, an above average rating in order to receive a grant in the second year of their studies. 

The bill includes a severability clause, and is null and void unless included in the 1995-97 budget act.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Because all the waiver programs are now permissive and variable, this award is in danger of becoming only a recognition award without any assurance of financial assistance.  We believe that outstanding vocational students are deserving of a scholarship award.  We like a grant program that allows students to choose to attend a private school.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Kyra Kester, WTECB; Linda Broderick, WA Federation of Voc. Schools; Kathleen Lopp, WVA.