Brief Description: Gaining independence for students by creating the educational assistance grant program for financially needy students with dependents.

Sponsors: Representatives Kenney, Cox, Jarrett, Chase, Veloria, Kessler and Upthegrove.

Hearing Date: 2/12/03

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).

Background:

Financially needy students with dependents often incur expenses for childcare and other dependent-related needs. The childcare allowance provided in the state need grant program may not cover all of the actual expenses incurred by a financially needy student with dependents. Sometimes the total of these dependent care-related expenses functions to make it increasingly difficult for a financially needy student to remain in school and complete a certificate or degree program.

Summary of Bill:

The educational assistance grant program for students with dependents is created. The program is funded by only private endowments and would be administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB). The account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. The HECB may solicit and receive endowments from private sources for the use and benefit of the grant program.

Students with dependents under the age of 18 who participate in the state need grant program would be eligible for a minimum grant of $1,000 per academic year. Individual awards would be determined according to criteria developed by the HECB, and according to the student's documented financial need. The HECB is authorized to adjust the amount of the grant to account for any supplanting or reduction of any other grant, scholarship, or tax program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.