In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation updating the eligibility requirements for the Grow PA Scholarship Program by permitting students studying sign language interpretation and translation to be eligible for grants.
 
I was recently contacted by an American Sign Language (ASL) department faculty member at an institution of higher education in my district who shared with me that students were not eligible for grants under the program because sign language interpretation and translation is not considered an in-demand occupation.
 
I believe that sign language interpretation and translation jobs are essential and needed in our Commonwealth to assist individuals with hearing impairment. They should be considered in-demand occupations and students pursuing postsecondary education in this area should be eligible for grants under the program.
 
My legislation will update the definitions of “approved course of study” and “in-demand occupation” utilized by the Grow PA Scholarship Program to explicitly include sign language interpretation and translation.
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation.