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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2025 - 2026
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 2, 2024 11:57 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Tracy Pennycuick |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Expanding the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program |
| In the near future, I plan to reintroduce Senate Bill 1153 which would expand the current Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program to children nationwide to attend a PASSHE school. In 2024, Pennsylvania made significant strides in post-secondary education reform by implementing key components of the GROW PA plan. This initiative aimed at improving Pennsylvania’s competitiveness by attracting and retaining students to pursue college degrees, as well as certificate and job-training programs, ensuring a stronger and more skilled workforce for the future. Under current law, children in Pennsylvania’s foster care system, as well as those who have been adopted, are eligible for financial aid and tuition waivers through the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program. My bill will expand the current Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program to include any adopted and foster child from other states to benefit from these programs in Pennsylvania, by waiving tuition and mandatory fees after the application of any federal and state grants available to the student. By eliminating financial barriers for adopted and foster care students, we are opening the door for them to succeed at our exceptional PASSHE schools. This initiative will not only creates opportunities for these young individuals, but also strengthens our Commonwealth by attracting talented students to our universities, ultimately supporting and growing our economy. Last session, SB 1153 passed the Senate unanimously. Please join me in breaking down barriers to a quality college education for these students while helping our state attract and retain talented new residents by co-sponsoring this important measure. |