NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — One Tennessee lawmaker wants to expand HOPE scholarship recipients’ access to those funds.
Sen. Bo Watson (R—Hixson) has filed a bill that would allow students who receive the HOPE scholarship to use the funds for postgraduate education if they complete their undergraduate degree in less than four years.
Specifically, the bill would allow a student who earns their first bachelor’s degree in “less than the projected completion time” to continue receiving those funds in pursuit of an advanced degree.
The students would still have to meet all other eligibility requirements, including a minimum GPA and completing the FAFSA each year, but they would also be subject to new eligibility criteria, including enrolling in the postgraduate program within three months of receiving their bachelor’s degree.
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If passed, the bill would take effect July 1, allowing it to happen prior to the 2023-2024 academic year.
Hundreds of bills will be up for debate during the 113th General Assembly. Tennessee lawmakers shared their thoughts on some of the major issues up for discussion at this year’s legislative session.
What lawmakers had to say about: Abortion Ban Clarification | Marijuana Reform | Transgender Therapy and LGBTQ+ Rights | Dept. of Children’s Services | Education | Crime/Public Safety | More
You can also find daily coverage from the session here.
