Title: An act relating to the GET ready for math and science scholarship program.

Brief Description: Creating the GET ready for math and science scholarship program.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Wallace, Dunn, Haigh, Kenney, Hasegawa, B. Sullivan, McDermott, Takko, Roberts, P. Sullivan, Fromhold, Quall, Simpson, Lantz, Hudgins, Kagi, Santos, Ormsby and Morrell).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/12/07, 76-22.

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 3/21/07, 3/22/07 [DP-WM].

Ways & Means: 3/30/07 [DPA, w/oRec].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Shin, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Schoesler and Sheldon.

Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Carrell, Hatfield, Hobbs, Kohl-Welles, Oemig, Rasmussen, Regala, Rockefeller, Schoesler and Tom.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member.

Staff: Tim Yowell (786-7435)

Background: As part of the Washington Learns effort, the committee acknowledged the need for Washington institutions of higher education to produce more graduates in high demand fields, especially mathematics and science related areas of study. A number of private business organizations have also recognized that Washington businesses import a large number of graduates from other states to fulfill the demand for graduates in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

Summary of Engrossed Second Substitute Bill: The GET Ready for Math and Science Scholarship Program (Scholarship Program) is created. The Scholarship Program provides college scholarships for students who: (1) score a 4 on the 10th grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in either math or science or score in the 95th percentile on mathematics on the SAT or ACT; (2) have a family income no greater than 125 percent of the median family income in Washington at the time they apply for the scholarship and for up to the two previous years; (3) agree to major in a math, science, or related field; and (4) make a commitment to work for at least three years in Washington in a mathematics, science, or related field. Students must enroll in an institution of higher education within one year of high school graduation, take at least one mathematics or science course each term, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and enter a qualified program no later than their junior year. The scholarships can be used at any public or private accredited college or university in Washington. The maximum annual scholarship amount cannot be more than the annual cost of undergraduate tuition and fees at the University of Washington. The Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) buys tuition units from the state's Guaranteed Education Tuition Program to be used for the GET Ready for Math and Science scholarships.

If a student receives a scholarship but: (1) does not graduate from college; (2) switches to a major not in mathematics, science, or related field; or (3) does not work in a mathematics, science or a related field in Washington for at least three years after graduation, the student is required to pay back some or all of the scholarship funds received. The Scholarship Program is administered by a private non-profit organization. The non-profit organization and the HECB determine criteria for the undergraduate programs and majors offered in Washington in mathematics, science, or a related field that qualify a student for a scholarship. The HECB posts the criteria for qualified courses and lists these programs and majors on its website.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction notifies the schools and children's administration about the program and provides data to the Legislature regarding the race, ethnicity, income, and other demographic information of students achieving level 4 on the 10th grade WASL in mathematics or science.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED STRIKING AMENDMENT(S) AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Ways & Means): The HECB and the private non-profit administrator are to jointly establish criteria for selecting among eligible applicants. Priority is to be given to those applicants who, without the scholarship, would be least likely to major in math or science at a Washington college or university. The striking amendment clarifies that scholarships are only awarded to the extent that state and private matching funds are available for that purpose in the account created by the bill.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Higher Education): PRO: This bill includes a matching dollars provision that ensures community participation. Private sector donors are already lining up to support this program. The SAT/ACT provision allows home-schooled students to participate in the program. This will help students prepare for success by encouraging student achievement throughout their academic career. This is a great incentive for students to study mathematics and science.

Persons Testifying (Higher Education): PRO: Representative Wallace, prime sponsor; Deb Merle, Office of Financial Management; Gary Gardner, College Success Foundation; Brian Jeffries, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; Loretta Seppanen, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Ways & Means: on companion SB 5555): PRO: It is essential for Washington to produce more math and science graduates if we are to compete effectively in the global economy. This is an innovative approach, because private funds would be raised to match state contributions to the scholarship account on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The College Success Foundation is already contacting businesses and private individuals to raise the private funds.

Persons Testifying (Ways & Means): PRO: Senator Shin, prime sponsor; Deb Merle, Governor's Office; Gary Gardner, College Success Foundation.