12/14/16   Governor Proposes Possible Two Year College Grant For High School Grads

In an effort to produce workers who can either navigate a computer keyboard or wield an acetylene torch, Arkansas unveiled a possible way for high school graduates, home school grads and non-traditional students to learn skills without paying a dime. Governor Asa Hutchinson said yesterday he wants to establish the “ArFuture Grant” program for students entering high demand fields.

If lawmakers agree, Arkansas would provide two years of tuition and fees at community or technical colleges after the student used other grants and scholarships. Arkansas would tap 8 point 2 million dollars currently set aside for its GO and Workforce Improvement Grant programs.

At last night's Bearden School Board meeting, Superintendent Denny Rozenberg commented on the idea.

Rozenberg talked last night about how well students were doing taking college courses.

Students would have to do eight hours of community services each semester, then work full time in the state for three years after graduating. If they leave, the grants would be considered loans.