Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-696

EDU 696

Scholarships

Mr. Keenan, Ms. Moran and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 1596-2414 the following item:-

"xxxx-xxxx For a scholarship program to provide financial assistance to students in the commonwealth who are enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education at a public institution of higher education, as defined in section 5 of chapter 15A of the General Laws, for an in-demand profession as defined by the executive office of labor and workforce development's study on labor market conditions pursuant to section 16A of said chapter 15A; provided, that funds from this item may be expended on the administration of said scholarship program; provided further, that the board of higher education, in coordination with the Massachusetts state scholarship office, shall adopt guidelines governing the eligibility for and the awarding of financial assistance; provided further that not less than $1,500,000 shall be expended for a scholarship program to provide financial assistance to students from the commonwealth who: (i) are enrolled in and pursuing either an associate degree or certificate program at a municipal college; (ii) are age 25 or older as of the first day of classes; (iii) have not previously earned a college degree; and (iv) are enrolled in at least 6 credits; provided, that the funds shall be used to cover any remaining tuition and fees, costs of books and supplies for any eligible student after all other sources of federal and state grant aid have been exhausted; provided further, that funds from this item may be expended on student support services, administration and the marketing of said scholarship program; and provided further, that funds may be expended for programs or activities during the summer months ................. $10,000,000"