SB 33-POSTSECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS  CHAIR ELTON announced the consideration of SB 33. He said there was a committee substitute (CS) and the committee staff would talk about the differences between it and the original bill. DANA OWEN, staff to Senator Elton, explained that CSSB 33, version \E, is essentially the same as the original bill with two changes. He directed the members to page 2, line 25, where the cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to qualify for the program in the original bill had been reduced to 2.5. And on page 3, line 31, they added language "or by the United States Department of Education" expanding the qualifications for which institutions would be eligible to participate. CHAIR ELTON saw no questions and noted a discussion about whether or not the loan program is available for post graduate study. The sponsor's aide indicated yes, as long as the post graduate program is in the state. 8:06:12 AM SENATOR STEVENS said it's a great program, but he wanted to know how it would be funded. NICK MOE, aide to Senator Ellis, sponsor of SB 33, replied that the goal is to establish the endowment first, then they can find the money - private donations, stimulus funds and general fund money from the state. 8:07:28 AM SENATOR STEVENS said he wanted to make sure that people are clear that the funds won't become available just because they pass this bill. They need support and the finances to do it. 8:07:53 AM SENATOR OLSON said he noticed a number of accredited postsecondary institutions outside of the University of Alaska system. One of the handouts also noted that the Alaska Christian College in Soldotna has met certain criteria that make it a candidate for accreditation from the Association of Biblical Higher Education, and it anticipates completing a multi-year process sometime in 2012. About a dozen students from his district are there and he wanted to know if they would be eligible for this scholarship - and when they will be if they are not. MR. MOE replied since they are in the process of getting their accreditation, so they wouldn't be eligible until 2012. 8:10:09 AM DIANE BARRANS, Executive Director, Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, explained that it really depends on the program the student is enrolled in. The Christian College does college prep curricula as well as a starting into college curricula. As a candidate for accreditation, if the U.S. Department of Education has approved them to participate in the financial aid programs, they would qualify for this. That would have to be verified and that could make them eligible this fall. SENATOR OLSON said he understands if a student is in a remedial program and not taking college courses, they are not eligible. MS. BARRANS replied that is correct. 8:11:21 AM JOSEPH BLANCHARD, Assemblyman, Fairbanks North Star Borough, said he is also a student, and that the Borough Assembly has passed a resolution in support of SB 33. 8:13:33 AM TOM HEWITT, Fairbanks, supported SB 33. He explained the reason is because his little sister has just been accepted to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, but not much money has been set aside for her college education. His dad had a stroke, so the parents cannot provide any more money. His sister has worked and saved money, but that has affected her grades so she won't qualify for the Alaska Scholars' Program. He is here for Debra, because she is one of the people this bill would help. 8:15:33 AM CARL WING, representing himself, said he is a student at the University of Alaska. He echoed Mr. Hewitt's sentiments that many students are working one or more jobs to get through school and their grades do suffer, so they don't always qualify for other types of funding. This bill will help these students go on to college and allow them maybe to focus more on the classroom. 8:17:05 AM SENATOR OLSON asked when students can anticipate getting help from this fund. MR. MOE replied that he's hopeful that the program could be funded within two years. He mentioned they will look at the Taylor Foundation and federal stimulus money. SENATOR DAVIS moved to report CS for SB 33 from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). There being no objection, CSSB 33(EDC) moved from the Senate Education Standing Committee.