This story originally appeared on governor.pa.gov.
Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Foundation announced that the Wolf Administration will be providing $5 million in grant funds for a new scholarship program for Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employees and their dependents who are pursuing higher education at a State System university.
“I am proud to launch this scholarship program to support our employees – and their families – in achieving their dreams for a higher education,” said Gov. Wolf. “An essential part of building effective government is supporting the employees who serve their fellow Pennsylvanians every single day. These folks do the hard work of the commonwealth, and I am proud of the ways that we have modernized state employment to ensure we can attract and retain great employees who do their best for their fellow Pennsylvanians every day. This program will continue that progress and help our employees – and our commonwealth – continue to grow and provide the first-class service that Pennsylvanians deserve from state government.”
“We are proud to have a strong partnership with the commonwealth, and we applaud Governor Wolf’s $5 million investment in scholarships for state employees and their dependents at State System universities,” said Board Chair Cindy Shapira. “The State System has frozen tuition for four consecutive years and increased student financial aid in our commitment to provide high-quality education at the lowest possible cost to students. These scholarships will further those efforts and open doors of opportunity for many students and working adults.”
The Wolf Administration has authorized a grant of $5 million to the PASSHE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates in service of the State System of Higher Education, which will develop and implement the scholarship program.
Beginning with the Spring 2023 term, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employees and eligible dependents will be able to apply to the PASSHE Foundation for a grant of up to $2,000 per academic year for full-time students and up to $1,000 for part-time students. Scholarship funds may be used for expenses including tuition, room and board.
“This additional financial aid is critical for many students to start college, complete their degree and have the advanced skills the state and other employers need,” said Lynn Miller, PASSHE Foundation Board Chair and retired healthcare executive. “The scholarships enable more students of all ages to get an affordable degree or credential that propels them into good jobs, strengthens the workforce, creates economic security for their families and provides a tremendous return on investment.”
This scholarship program furthers the Wolf Administration’s and PASSHE’s partnership to make higher education more affordable for public servants in Pennsylvania. In October, the governor and PASSHE announced that Pennsylvania state employees will be able to earn an online degree from Pennsylvania Western University at a 20% discounted tuition rate. Foundation scholarships can be applied to any PASSHE course, including the PennWest Global Online program.
“I am grateful to the leadership team at the PASSHE Foundation for coordinating with my administration and using these grant funds to provide Pennsylvania state employees and their dependents with scholarship opportunities to further their higher education,” said Gov. Wolf.
Governor Wolf has served for two terms as a leader consistently at work for the people of Pennsylvania. Learn more about how his Priorities for Pennsylvania have fueled the commonwealth’s comeback, leaving Pennsylvania in a much better place than when he arrived.
