The proposed bill establishes the Hathaway private post-secondary school scholarship to provide financial assistance to eligible students attending private post-secondary institutions in Wyoming. It sets forth eligibility requirements, including a minimum cumulative high school GPA and a specified score on a nationally recognized examination. The bill mandates the Department of Education to create rules regarding eligibility, payment schedules, and reporting requirements for participating schools. The scholarship funds are designated for costs associated with attendance at these institutions, which may include certificates or degrees.

Key amendments to existing law include the addition of the Hathaway private post-secondary school scholarship to the definitions of "scholarship" and the allocation of funds within the Hathaway scholarship expenditure account. The bill modifies the distribution of funds to ensure that 80% of the account is available for various scholarships, including the new private post-secondary school scholarship. It also requires private post-secondary schools to report on the use of scholarship funds, aligning with existing reporting requirements for the University of Wyoming and community colleges. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will be available to students graduating in the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0096 v0.4: 21-16-1301, 21-16-1309, 21-16-1311