FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1018

                          C 28 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Changing Washington award for vocational excellence provisions.

Sponsors:  Representatives Carlson, Kenney, Radcliff, Sheahan, Dunn, Esser and Lantz.

House Committee on Higher Education

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Background:

In 1984, the Legislature created the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) scholarship program.  Through the award program, up to three students who demonstrate outstanding performance in occupational training programs are selected from each legislative district.

The recipient may use the grant to attend any institution of higher education, independent college or university or a licensed private vocational school.  To qualify for the two-year grants, the recipients must enter an institution of higher education within three years of high school graduation.  The program is administered by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

Recipients are not required to use their awards within a specified timeframe.  This lack of a time limit has created difficulties for administrators in determining a student's eligibility for the grant.  The lack of a completion date has also made it difficult for the administrative agency to provide budget projections on the amount of grant funding needed for future scholarships.

Summary:

Individuals who receive WAVE awards during the 1998-99 academic year must use the awards within six years.

Individuals who received WAVE awards before the 1995-96 academic year must use the awards by September 2002.

Individuals who received WAVE awards in the 1995-96, 1996-97 or 1997-98 academic years must use the awards by September 2005.  Recipients who fail to use the awards within these time limits forfeit the awards.

Votes on Final Passage:

House941

Senate440

Effective:April 19, 1999