Brief Description: Allowing the higher education coordinating board to establish rules for promise scholarship awards to individuals with special needs.

Sponsors: Senators Benton, Carlson, Kohl-Welles, Roach, Rasmussen and Parlette.

Hearing Date: 2/20/04

Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).

Background:

The Promise Scholarship Program provides a financial grant to Washington high school graduates who:

1.   Graduate in the top 15 percent of their public or private high school class, or score at least 1,200 points on the Scholastic Achievement Test or 27 points on the American College Test on the first attempt;

2.   Have a family income of no more than 135 percent of the state's median family income; and

3.   Enroll in an accredited college or university in Washington.

A scholarship can be used at an Oregon institution that is part of the Border County Higher Education Opportunity Project if that institution offers programs not available in Washington. The Promise Scholarship Program is administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB).

Summary of Bill:

The HECB can allow a Promise Scholarship to be used at institutions of higher education in border counties of Oregon and Idaho to accommodate students with special needs due to documented disabilities. The HECB can establish rules regarding documentation of the disabilities and special needs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect January 1, 2004.