Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has released a sweeping plan to reform higher education in the state, aimed at improving access and affordability and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
The governor’s blueprint proposes a number of key changes, including creating a new system for higher education that unites the state’s two major public universities and community colleges. This would improve coordination between schools and make it easier for students to access affordable credentials and degrees.
He also proposes making significant investments to ensure that higher education is affordable for all students, including increasing PHEAA grants for all students by $1,000. This would help to level the playing field for students from all backgrounds and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The governor’s plan also proposes that direct appropriations to publicly funded colleges and universities be distributed on the basis of a predictable, transparent, outcomes-focused formula. This would reward institutions that focus on what’s most important to the Commonwealth, such as increasing enrollment, the number of first-generation college students that receive credentials, and the graduation rate.
The plan also proposes creating a new regulatory framework for higher education, including a review of accreditation and certification processes. This would aim to streamline the regulatory process and make it easier for students to navigate the complex system of higher education.
Shapiro’s plan has been met with significant bipartisan support, and it is hoped that it will be able to unleash the potential of Pennsylvania’s higher education system and improve the lives of future generations.
Source: www.governor.pa.gov