Lawmakers support Banks' co-authored bill providing $3,500 scholarships to high schoolers who graduate early
By Erin Reece
Legislation allowing high school students to graduate one year early and receive state-funded scholarships toward earning higher degrees or technical training garnered key support Wednesday from members of the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development.
State Senator Jim Banks of Columbia City, a member of the committee, said lawmakers voted 8-1 in support of legislation he co-authored awarding state scholarships to qualified high school students who complete graduation requirements one year early. Senate Bill 497 now moves to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Banks said the measure would give $3,500 scholarships taken from per-student funding to those who complete their high school diploma requirements early. Qualifying students would be Indiana residents and enrolled full-time at a public school for at least the last two semesters before the individual completes required work.
“Encouraging students to complete their high school requirements early and rewarding them with scholarship money is a win-win-win situation for parents, students and our state,” Banks said.
According to the Census Bureau, the average per-pupil cost in Indiana for 2008 was $9,036. Banks said the state would save tax dollars by rewarding $3,500 scholarships – money otherwise spent toward students’ 12th grade year.
Under SB 497, a student would be required to attend an approved post secondary education institution within five months of graduating from high school to receive the scholarship.
Banks said a student would also have to attend a program that would lead to a certificate or two or four-year degree. Early graduation scholarship money could be applied to tuition or other necessary fees at an Indiana public or private university or other institution.
Legislation allowing high school students to graduate one year early and receive state-funded scholarships toward earning higher degrees or technical training garnered key support Wednesday from members of the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development.
State Senator Jim Banks of Columbia City, a member of the committee, said lawmakers voted 8-1 in support of legislation he co-authored awarding state scholarships to qualified high school students who complete graduation requirements one year early. Senate Bill 497 now moves to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Banks said the measure would give $3,500 scholarships taken from per-student funding to those who complete their high school diploma requirements early. Qualifying students would be Indiana residents and enrolled full-time at a public school for at least the last two semesters before the individual completes required work.
“Encouraging students to complete their high school requirements early and rewarding them with scholarship money is a win-win-win situation for parents, students and our state,” Banks said.
According to the Census Bureau, the average per-pupil cost in Indiana for 2008 was $9,036. Banks said the state would save tax dollars by rewarding $3,500 scholarships – money otherwise spent toward students’ 12th grade year.
Under SB 497, a student would be required to attend an approved post secondary education institution within five months of graduating from high school to receive the scholarship.
Banks said a student would also have to attend a program that would lead to a certificate or two or four-year degree. Early graduation scholarship money could be applied to tuition or other necessary fees at an Indiana public or private university or other institution.