Corbett’s act could provide students $2,000 in state grant money
The Ready to Succeed Act proposed by Gov. Tom Corbett’s in February will allocate $25 million for post-secondary education to students from Pennsylvania. This $25 million will be coupled in addition with the $345 million apportioned by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.
“I was in Harrisburg about it in February and they said they did not think they would get the funds for it,” said Stokan. “I went to a meeting about a month later and they were more optimistic about it.”
The new initiative would provide a possible $2,000 in state grant money to students in Pennsylvania whose family income is under $110,000. The student will also have to be sophomores, juniors or seniors who have completed 24 credits, according to Stokan. An additional requirement to be awarded this scholarship is a minimum grade point average of 3.25.
“I think that the governor’s Ready to Succeed, certainty on its face is a investment in the future of Pennsylvania,” said Czajkowski. “I am really pleased to see that the governor is investing more money in Pennsylvania students, especially college students as well.”
“The final condition is it is on a first come first serve basis,” said Stokan. “The reality is that the anticipated number of students who may qualify for this you may have students who apply and don’t receive because they applied too late.”
“We have to do everything in our power to push all students and all families to complete the FAFSA even if they don’t receive a federal grant, state grant and they say ‘I don’t want loans,'” said Stokan. “Here’s a reason to do it and a reason to it as soon as possible in the New Year.”
Students can receive up to $2,000 of state grant money, according to Stokan. If students are processed and receive a certain amount in state grants, they can earn as much additionally from the Ready to Succeed Act up to $2,000.
“This is an act that understands that, and it gives students an opportunity on merit to get a little more money to put towards education,” said Czajkowski.
“I’d like to see more initiatives like this, not just on the state level but the federal level,” said Stokan. “I think its kind of talking out of both sides of your mouth when you as a, legislator talk about student loan indebtedness and default rate, but your not coming up with additional funding or free money for students and their families to pay for their education.”