COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

 Rep. Phyllis Kenney, Democratic Co-Chair and

Rep. Don Carlson, Republican Co-Chair

BILL ANALYSIS

HB 1661

Brief Description: Creating Washington scholars-alternates awards.

Background: The Washington Scholars program was established by the 1981 Legislature.  The program purposes include: recognizing and honoring the accomplishments of three high school seniors from each legislative district; encouraging and facilitating privately-funded scholarship awards; and stimulating recruitment of outstanding students to Washington public and independent colleges and universities.  High school principals nominate the top one percent of the graduating senior class based upon academic accomplishments, leadership, and community service.

Scholars may receive a grant for undergraduate study at Washington public or independent colleges and universities.  Renewal each year is contingent upon maintaining a 3.30 GPA.  The state grant for scholars attending independent schools is contingent upon the institution=s agreement to match the award with either money or a tuition waiver.  The maximum yearly grant amount is limited to the full-time, resident, undergraduate tuition and fees at the University of Washington.  In 1998-99 the maximum grant amount is $3,396. 

The total appropriation for the Washington Scholars program for the 1997-99 biennium is $2,276,000.  This appropriation level reflects a usage pattern of about 65 percent, meaning that typically about 65 percent of Washington scholars choose to enroll in Washington schools and use their scholarships. 

Summary: The Washington Scholars program is modified to include the identification of three Washington scholars-alternates from each legislative district, in addition to the three Washington scholars.  If the recipients of the Washington scholars awards, after receiving their awards in the Spring, do not demonstrate in a timely manner that they will be using their grants to enroll in a Washington state college or university during the subsequent fall term or if they withdraw from college during their first year, then their grants may be awarded to Washington scholars-alternates from the same legislative district. Washington scholars-alternates who receive grants must also demonstrate in a timely manner that they will enroll in a Washington college or university during the next available term.

Prepared for the House Higher Education Committee

by Sherie Story, Research Analyst (786-7120)

Office of Program Research

February 8, 1999