HB1446
To Amend The Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship Program; And To Declare An Emergency.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes amendments to the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship Program. It seeks to broaden the definition of "approved institution of higher education" to include certain public or private vocational-technical schools and technical institutes. The bill also aims to increase the maximum scholarship award amounts that students can receive. Eligibility criteria for students would be maintained, focusing on Arkansas residency and US citizenship or lawful permanent residency. The programs of study eligible for scholarships would include those leading to associate degrees or certificate programs that result in a portable license or certificate in high-demand fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, construction, and logistics. Institutions receiving funds would be required to submit annual reports on student outcomes. The bill includes an emergency clause, stating its immediate necessity to align with a constitutional amendment allowing lottery proceeds to fund vocational and technical school scholarships.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be Arkansas residents seeking vocational or technical training. This includes individuals aiming to obtain certifications or licenses in high-demand fields like manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, construction, and logistics. Vocational-technical schools and technical institutes in Arkansas would also benefit, as they would become eligible to participate in the scholarship program. The state's workforce development efforts could see an increase in skilled labor, potentially benefiting employers in these targeted industries. Additionally, students pursuing associate degrees in these fields would also be eligible for these enhanced scholarship awards.
Who Might Suffer?
It is difficult to identify specific groups or entities that would be directly and negatively impacted by this bill. The expansion of scholarship opportunities and potential increase in funding for vocational-technical education generally aims to broaden access to training and education. However, if the increased scholarship amounts lead to a significant depletion of available funds within the program, future eligible students could potentially see reduced award amounts or a more competitive application process. Additionally, if the reporting requirements place an undue administrative burden on smaller institutions, they might be indirectly impacted. The bill does not appear to directly penalize or disadvantage any specific groups.