House Votes to Permanently Offer Scholarships to Online Learners, Quigley Says
HARRISBURG – In support of students earning their degrees online, today the House approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) that would make permanent a pilot program allowing online learners to receive financial aid.
In 2013, the General Assembly passed Act 59, which authorized the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to create a five-year pilot program allowing students who take more than 50 percent of their credits online from a college or university headquartered and located in the Commonwealth to receive state grants.
“This temporary program illustrated students’ need for the Commonwealth to permanently offer them the financial aid that’s available to their peers who attend brick-and-mortar schools through the PA State Grant Program,” Quigley said. “With the passage of my bill, students would not have to worry about the program ending on June 30, 2018, as is currently the case.”
During the 2014-15 grant award year, more than 5,900 students received grant awards, which totaled $8.52 million because of the pilot program.
“As methods of learning change in step with the advancement of technology, we must offer the same opportunities to online learners as are available to traditional students,” Quigley added.
In addition to having support of the full House, the bill is favored by Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, Pennsylvania State University and community colleges.
It now advances to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Tom Quigley
146th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
aevans@pahousegop.com
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