Posted: | January 7, 2021 11:50 AM |
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From: | Senator John T. Yudichak |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | PA Skills Compact |
The Pennsylvania Skills Compact expands access to up to two years of postsecondary training and would waive tuition and mandatory fees for every Pennsylvanian to earn an associate’s degree, technical certification, or occupational credential. The program is last dollar – requiring students to complete the FAFSA and use all existing federal aid before Pennsylvania contributes any funding for the remaining tuition and fees. As a last-dollar program, the Pennsylvania Skills Compact is a cost-effective approach for the Commonwealth, pulling in under-used federal resources with minimal impact to the General Fund. Both traditional and nontraditional (e.g. older Pennsylvanians who have recently lost their job and are seeking new skills) students will be eligible. The Pennsylvania Skills Compact is modeled on similar programs in Tennessee, Michigan, and Arkansas. The Pennsylvania Skills Compact can raise postsecondary attainment, narrow our existing skills gap, equip Pennsylvanians with the tools needed to succeed in the post-COVID economy, and promote long term economic growth in the Commonwealth. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation which will help promote Pennsylvania’s workforce development by expanding access to skills education and training. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 717-787-7105. |