COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Rep. Don Carlson, Republican Co-Chair; and
Rep. Phyllis Kenney, Democratic Co-Chair
BILL ANALYSIS
HB 2045
Brief Description: Creating the HOPE scholarship pilot program.
Background:
H.O.P.E., Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally is Georgia's scholarship program that reward students' hard work with financial assistance in post secondary programs at any eligible Georgia public, or private college, university, or public technical institute. H.O.P.E. scholarships ae funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education. Graduates who earn an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better receive free tuition, fees, and a book allowance at public colleges and universities. Beginning in 1996, H.O.P.E. recipients receive up to $3,000 per year to attend a private institution in Georgia. There is a household income cap for recipients which was $100,000 for the 1994-95 scholars.
The Council for School Performance, housed in the Applied Research Center in the School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, conducted the first assessment of the impact of the HOPE scholarship on college performance. The results of the study showed a positive impact on all three outcomes of the study. The HOPE scholarship had a positive impact on grade point average, credits earned, and persistence of college students.
Summary:
Duties of the Higher Education Coordinating Board
The Washington HOPE scholarship pilot program is established. The program will be administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board. The board will award scholarships in May of each year. The awards shall not exceed $5,000 per year for each student. The board may adopt rules to implement the scholarship. The board will report to the Legislature by December 1, 2004 on the implementation and effectiveness of the pilot program.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible students must graduate with a 3.0 or better from a public or private high school. The student must enroll in a public or independent institution of higher education within one year of receiving the award.
Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and be enrolled full time to maintain their award. Students may receive the award for a maximum of four academic years and must completely use the scholarship within five years of graduation from high school. Scholarship recipients may transfer between in state institutions, but the awards are nontransferable between individuals.
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will provide names and addresses of graduating senior that meet the eligibility criteria. All student information will remain confidential and will be used only for providing scholarships.
Funding and Expiration of Pilot Program
Funding for the scholarship will be provided from 10 percent of the lottery proceeds. A HOPE scholarship account is created in the custody of the State Treasurer. The pilot program expires on June 30, 2004.
HB 2045 Prepared for the House Higher Education Committee Page 2
by Marilee Scarbrough, Counsel (786-7196)
Office of Program Research
February 22, 1999