Two bills which would benefit community college students were reported today from the Senate Finance Committee.

SB 85 (Favola and Hanger) which would increase the expected family contribution allowed for eligibility for the Two-Year Transfer Grant from $8,000 to $12,000 was reported unanimously. This change would mean that approximately 800 more students would be eligible for the transfer grant than are currently receiving the grant.  Over 1100 students have received the transfer grant since legislation enacting the program was first established in 2007, and over $1.4 million has been awarded.

SB 100 (Edwards) which would establish a scholarship match program for two-year institutions and the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education was also reported unanimously. SB 100 would provide an incentive to donors to each of Virginia’s 23 community college foundations and to the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education by establishing a state dollar-for-dollar match for every dollar raised privately.  Funds would be earmarked for scholarships for students enrolled in an associate degree program and studying science, technology, engineering, math, education, or nursing.

Posted by Ellen Davenport