The legislature is taking its first step toward approving a need-based scholarship program. The Dakota’s Promise scholarship serves Pell-eligible low-income students who score at least a 22 on the ACT and have at least a 3.0 high school GPA.
Senate Bill 72 sets aside $2-million from this year’s general fund for the scholarship. Each recipient will receive $1,250 from the state fund, and a matched fund from their college or university.
In committee, President of Northern State University Tim Downs points to the widespread consensus among higher education institutions in the state.
“When you look at the student federation, which consists of all the student governments agencies at every campus, they’ve all passed a resolution that says they’re in support of Dakota’s Promise. And then you look at all the campus presidents, as well as the Board of Regents. This is our number one priority,” says Downs.
Board of Regents executive director Paul Beran says enrollment of students with the same criteria outlined for the Dakota’s Promise scholarship has dropped by 22% since 2011.
Senate Bill 72 is also supported by the state’s private colleges and universities.
A similar bill failed in the House last year, but this year’s version adds academic requirements to address previous concerns.
The bill heads next to the Senate floor.
