CSSB 224(FIN) Summary

• Establishes the Alaska Merit Scholarship Program to provide scholarships to Alaska resident high school graduates attending qualified postsecondary institutions in the state, with eligibility based on core academic curriculum completion, 2.5+ GPA, and standardized test scores.

• Increases AlaskAdvantage education grant program minimum annual distribution to $3,000,000 and raises maximum grant amounts from $500-$2,000 per year to $1,000-$3,000, and total lifetime grants from $8,000 to $12,000.

• Requires school districts to determine merit scholarship eligibility for graduating students and record the highest funding level in permanent records; allows students to request correction of eligibility determinations.

• Establishes two task forces: the Joint Legislative Higher Education Scholarship Task Force (15 members) to examine higher education costs and recommend scholarship programs, and an Advisory Task Force on Higher Education and Career Readiness (20 members) to compile data on college and career readiness and remediation.

• Modifies student record requirements to include level of eligibility for Alaska merit scholarships and ensures minimum funding for dental, optometry, and pharmacy students through the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education.