SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5741

BYSenators Newhouse, Smitherman, Bauer, von Reichbauer, Matson, Stratton, Amondson, Wojahn, Johnson, Owen and Sutherland; by request of Higher Education Coordinating Board

Establishing the educational opportunity grant program.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 16, 1989; February 21, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5741 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Saling, Chairman; Bauer, Smitherman, Stratton, von Reichbauer.

Senate Staff:Shawn Newman (786-7784)

                  February 22, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 21, 1989

BACKGROUND:

According to United States Census data, Washington's rate of participation in upper-division higher education (junior and senior levels) is about 10 percent below the United States average.  The estimated upper-division unmet need in the Puget Sound region (Snohomish, King, Pierce and Kitsap counties) is roughly 7,800 "headcount" enrollments and increases to over 14,000 by the year 2010.  The largest portion of this unmet need involves predominately "placebound" adults, those persons whose work and other responsibilities preclude them from traveling beyond commuting distance to attend higher education institutions.  Concern has also been raised that the Yakima region is not adequately served with upper division baccalaureate programs.

SUMMARY:

The educational opportunities grant program is created as a demonstration project to serve financially needy students in the Puget Sound and Yakima regions who have completed an associate of arts degree or its equivalent.  During the 1990-91 academic year, 150 grants will be available to students who are residents of Snohomish, King, Pierce, or Kitsap Counties, and 50 grants will be available to students who are residents of Yakima County.  The maximum grant award is $2,500 per student.  Grants may be used at both public and private colleges and universities.  The Higher Education Coordinating Board will administer the program.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

An appropriation of $548,214 is added for the biennium to the Higher Education Coordinating Board to carry out the purposes of this act.

Appropriation:    $548,214

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Thomas M. Parker, Washington Friends of Higher Education; Rober Maier, WEA; Elizabeth Fallihee, Higher Education Coordinating Board; Shirley Ort, Higher Education Coordinating Board