HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) to attract students and future workers to Pennsylvania was approved unanimously by the Senate today.
Senate Bill 1153 is a key piece of the Grow PA initiative, which confronts the commonwealth’s stagnant population growth by encouraging the best and brightest students to put down roots in Pennsylvania communities.
The measure would expand the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, which waives higher education tuition and fees for foster children in the foster care system and children who were adopted. Under the bill, the program would include eligible nonresident students for undergraduate courses at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools.
“Many young, talented individuals are simply in need of a chance to succeed. This is especially true for foster care children, who often face significant barriers when seeking access to postsecondary education,” said Pennycuick. “Let’s give foster care kids across the nation the opportunity they seek right here in Pennsylvania.”
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Matt Szuchyt