Southwest Allegheny News

HARRISBURG – Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) announced today that legislation to expand Pennsylvania’s Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program has been incorporated into the 2024-25 state budget. The Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students pursuing post-secondary education. The amendments include raising household income limits from $126,000 to $175,000 and adjusting the GPA requirement to 2.5, extending eligibility to more students.

“I’m thrilled that my legislation to expand the Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program was included in the state budget,” Robinson said. “The infusion of $36 million in new funding for the program will expand eligibility criteria, benefiting more students statewide and providing better opportunities and brighter futures for our children.”

The legislative initiative is part of the Senate’s comprehensive Grow PA plan, aimed at facilitating broader access to post-secondary education and career training opportunities. The Grow PA package comprises multiple bills designed to enhance Pennsylvania’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining students for various educational pathways and vocational training programs.

The budget also includes K-12 education funding which will see a significant increase of over $1 billion, marking one of the largest funding boosts in Pennsylvania’s history. Key allocations include $285 million for the Basic Education subsidy, $526 million for the Ready to Learn Block Grant program, and $100 million for school facility improvements, fulfilling Pennsylvania’s Constitutional obligation to provide a comprehensive and efficient education system.

“I am glad to advocate for equitable distribution of these funds to benefit students across Pennsylvania,” Robinson said. “It’s imperative that each and every Pennsylvania student receives access to quality educational resources.”

Additional budget provisions include:

CONTACT:

Allison Dutrey