The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to create the Pennsylvania Promise Program, designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students and adult learners pursuing higher education. It introduces a new article, ARTICLE XX-N, which defines key terms such as "eligible adult learner" and "eligible student," outlining specific criteria related to residency, age, educational background, and financial need. The program will be administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, which will also manage the Pennsylvania Promise Program Fund established in the State Treasury. This fund will accept various contributions and will not lapse, ensuring ongoing financial support for the program.

The bill details scholarship processes for tuition, fees, and room and board for eligible students attending State-owned or State-related institutions and community colleges. It specifies that scholarships for room and board will be paid directly to institutions and cannot exceed the outstanding balance owed, with certain exceptions for community colleges. Additionally, it sets income limits and academic progress requirements for scholarship eligibility and allows for renewals under specific conditions. The bill also extends aid to adult learners seeking reeducation, prioritizing programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials, and mandates annual adjustments to income limits based on the Consumer Price Index, along with an annual report to evaluate the program's effectiveness.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1348 (Dec 05, 2025): P.L.30, No.14