HB2250 HD1

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the community college promise program has assisted a number of students attend community colleges; however, many students accepted to enter the University of Hawaii's four-year campuses lack sufficient financial resources to go on to earn their bachelor's degree. Incrementally extending the community college promise program for four-year colleges will lead to stronger educational outcomes, an improved quality of life for participating students, and a stronger economy for Hawaii in general.

The legislature further finds that there are current and projected job shortages in the fields of teaching, health care, social work, and engineering, and that the State's resources should be targeted toward meeting these needs.

The legislature also finds that this issue is a matter of statewide concern that falls under its purview pursuant to article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution. The purpose of this Act is to establish the University of Hawaii promise program plus and appropriate funds for its establishment, implementation, and management.

SECTION 2. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II, subpart B, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§304A- University of Hawaii promise program plus; established. (a) Notwithstanding section 304A-502, there is established the University of Hawaii promise program plus to be administered by the board of regents. The program shall provide scholarships for the unmet direct cost needs of qualified students who:

(1) Are enrolled at any University of Hawaii campus;

(2) Are pursuing bachelor's degrees in the fields of teaching, health care, social work, or engineering; and

(3) Commit to work in Hawaii for at least three years in a field identified in paragraph (2).

(b) A qualified student enrolled in a bachelor's degree program at a University of Hawaii campus is eligible for scholarship consideration for a maximum of one hundred thirty-two credits or the number of credits needed to complete the bachelor's degree if the student:

(1) Qualifies for Hawaii resident tuition;

(2) Completes and submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for each academic year, and accepts all federal and state aid, grants, scholarships, and other funding sources that do not require repayment;

(3) Is enrolled in the degree program with twelve or more credits per semester;

(4) Maintains satisfactory academic progress, as defined by federal requirements established pursuant to Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and determined by the campus at which the student is enrolled; and

(5) Has been determined by the campus to have unmet direct cost needs.

(1) To the extent that funds are available to support the scholarship award;

(2) In an amount equal to the studentꞌs unmet direct cost need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid calculation of need minus what is available from Pell grants and other funding sources specified in subsection (b)(2); and

(3) To the extent funds are available to support the scholarship award.

(d) To continue to qualify for a scholarship under this section, a student shall:

(1) Maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or higher, on a scale of 4.0 or its equivalent;

(2) Earn a minimum of twenty-four credits in each academic year; and

(3) Comply with any other conditions placed on the scholarship by the University of Hawaii.

(e) A student who fails to comply with the requirements of this section shall be placed on scholarship probation. Social, economic, and other factors, or other extenuating circumstances as determined by the University of Hawaii, shall be considered in determining probationary status.

During the probationary period, the student shall demonstrate satisfactory progress toward meeting completion of the degree and satisfying the requirements of the scholarship. Failure to meet the probationary period requirements in this section shall result in revocation of the student's scholarship, with the student responsible for reimbursing the University of Hawaii for up to two semesters of scholarship amounts received under the program. A student may be placed on scholarship probation for no more than one semester during an eight-semester period at a University of Hawaii campus.

(f) The scholarship of any individual who fails to meet the individual's commitment under subsection(a)(4) shall be converted to a loan to be repaid to the University of Hawaii, under terms to be determined by the University of Hawaii.

(g) The University of Hawaii shall establish policies and procedures to effectuate this section.

(h) As used in this section, "direct cost" includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, and transportation."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 to establish, implement, and manage the University of Hawaii promise program plus, including:

(1) $ for the provision of the program's scholarships; and

(2) $ for one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position to manage the program.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2250
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII