Scholarship program would benefit middle-income students in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett recently outlined a merit-based scholarship program that would provide middle-income college students with financial assistance.

Corbett hosted an event at Delaware Valley College on Wednesday to share details of the Ready to Succeed Scholarship program that is included in his 2014-2015 budget proposal.

“All too often, students from middle-income families do not qualify for state financial aid,” Corbett said. “The Ready to Succeed Scholarship will help to reduce the amount of debt students incur while pursuing a postsecondary education.”

The program would make scholarships available to college students whose families have a gross income of less than $110,000 per year, adjusted for inflation. Students would be required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.25 to be eligible.

The program would be administered through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Scholarships would be available in amounts up to $2,000 for full-time students and up to $1,000 for part-time students. They would be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Chancellor Frank Brogan said the state’s university system is dedicated to providing affordable educational opportunities to all families in Pennsylvania.

“Gov. Corbett’s proposed program would help many of our students achieve their dream of earning a college degree while reducing their potential debt,” Brogan said. “The board of governors and I applaud this initiative and encourage the General Assembly to support this kind of smart, targeted investment in Pennsylvania’s future.”

Approximately 80 percent of students who would be eligible for the Ready to Succeed Scholarship program have not received assistance through the PHEAA State Grant program in the past, according to estimates.