Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that establishes the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program to provide grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in a high-demand industry, and agree to live and work in that industry in Pennsylvania after graduation.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program to provide grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in a high-demand industry, and agree to live and work in that industry in Pennsylvania after graduation (Sec. 2-6)

• Requires grant recipients to live and work in Pennsylvania for at least 15 months for each year they accept the grant and specifies that failure to meet this requirement would result in the grants being converted to a loan that must be repaid (Sec. 2-6).

• Defines “high-demand industries” to mean the following, including, but not limited to (Sec. 2-6):

• Agriculture;

• Computer science;

• Criminal justice;

• Business;

• Education;

• Engineering;

• Nursing; 

• Trades;

• Special education;

• STEM education; and 

• Allied health.

• Specifies that these industries may be adjusted annually in consultation with the Independent Fiscal Office (Sec. ).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall become effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text