This bill amends the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program, Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship Program, and Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarship Program to include vocational-technical schools and technical institutes as approved institutions of higher education. The new legal language specifies that these institutions must be bonded and insured to qualify. Additionally, the bill outlines that applicants for scholarships at these institutions must be accepted into programs that lead to an associate degree or a certificate in high-demand fields such as industry, health care, or information technology.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Division of Higher Education submit annual reports to the Legislative Council detailing state-supported financial assistance awarded to students in vocational-technical schools and technical institutes. It also repeals a provision that previously disqualified students enrolled in vocational centers from receiving scholarships under the Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarship Program. Overall, the bill aims to expand educational opportunities and support for students pursuing vocational and technical training in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1413 V2 - 2-20-2023 11:41 AM: 6-85-204(3), 6-85-302(1), 6-85-306, 6-85-402(1)
Old version HB1413 V3 - 4-4-2023 10:21 AM: 6-85-204(3), 6-85-302(1), 6-85-306, 6-85-402(1), 6-85-403(c)
HB 1413: 6-85-204(3), 6-85-302(1), 6-85-306, 6-85-402(1), 6-85-403(c)