"We should be rewarding the efforts made by students who are eager to further their education by giving them the additional opportunity to attend college early if desired," said Rep. Rhoads, Vice-Chairman of the House Education Committee. "In addition, an accelerated graduation program may also help reduce dropout rates and increase college completion rates." To be eligible for the scholarship, Senate Bill 497 would require a student to be a resident of Indiana and attend a publicly-funded school full time for at least two semesters before graduating high school; meet the minimum graduation requirements set by the State Board of Education; and enroll in a two or four year program in a postsecondary educational institution in Indiana. Senate Bill 497 requires the State Board of Education to amend its high school graduation rules to facilitate graduation from high school in less than seven semesters. In addition, they would allow a student to participate in an early college, a dual credit or a dual enrollment program during any grade in high school. The bill specifies that the scholarship amount is equal to the foundation amount that applies to the determination of state tuition support distributions in the calendar year in which an early graduation scholarship is awarded. The bill passed out of the Senate with a vote of 39 to 10. The bill was then heard in the House Education Committee where an amendment was adopted, which specifies that the scholarship, in addition to being used toward tuition, can also be used for fees, books, supplies and equipment required for courses of instruction. The amendment further states that any dollars unused should be applied to the subsequent school year. Senate Bill 497 will now be sent back to the Senate for a concurrence. |
