The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to create the Pennsylvania Promise Program, designed to provide financial assistance for higher education to eligible students and adult learners in Pennsylvania. It establishes a new article, ARTICLE XX-N, which defines key terms such as "eligible adult learner" and "eligible student," and outlines the criteria for participation, including 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 to support the program's objectives. This fund will accept contributions and investments, ensuring that funds are nonlapsing and available for future fiscal years.

The bill introduces provisions for scholarships covering tuition, fees, and room and board for eligible students attending State-owned or State-related institutions and community colleges. It mandates that the administering agency pay the outstanding balance for room and board directly to the institutions, with scholarships capped at the amount owed, except for community colleges. Additionally, it outlines eligibility criteria, including income limits and academic progress requirements, and establishes a renewal process for scholarship reapplications. The bill also addresses adult learners seeking aid for reeducation programs, prioritizing those leading to industry-recognized credentials, and includes mechanisms for adjusting income limits based on the Consumer Price Index. An annual report is required to evaluate the program's effectiveness and provide recommendations for improving access to higher education.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 2680 (Dec 09, 2025): P.L.30, No.14