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News Brief

Feb. 18, 2019Jefferson City, MO |  By: Molly Gardner

New bill to encourage adults to obtain a degree/certification

The Missouri Legislature proposed a bill last week that would provide grants for Missouri citizens to attend a postsecondary institution of their choice. The student must meet certain criteria to be eligible including having an adjusted gross income of less than $80,000, be at least 25 years of age, and the student must maintain a grade point average between 2.5 and 4.0. First District State Representative Allen Andrews, a Republican from Grant City, says this bill would impact many different aspects of the state. 

"The bill would create a new state financial aid program - it's known as Fast Track - that would encourage adults to obtain a degree or a certification. It's kind of a creative solution to address our workforce development issues.  It's estimated that this could impact 15,000 eligible students by providing training, meeting specific workforce needs, improving the economy, and really overall, just benefiting Missourians in all regions of our state, especially right here in Northwest Missouri."

Andrews adds this will impact people who want to go back to college.

"There's a group of adults who for whatever reason, maybe just didn't have time, maybe it was busy, maybe went from high school to working.  You know, people who maybe started in college but wasn't able to finish up for whatever reason.  And so this will help people to obtain a degree in these high-need areas.  There is an opportunity there.  I think it's a great thing moving forward.  I think this is going to help a lot of people."

The bill will be third read this week on the house floor.  If it passes, it will move to the Senate.