3 programs to ensure Nevadans can go to college | Geddes
Nevadans needs to develop a more educated citizenry for the 21st-century economy. The State Plan for Economic Development, the new higher education funding formula and adoption of Complete College America all place an emphasis on educating and graduating more students. Still, the hurdle many Nevadans face is the cost of attending college.
The Nevada System of Higher Education has succeeded in keeping tuition in Nevada low, and it remains among the lowest in the West. In addition to low tuition, the NSHE, Nevada Legislature, and Gov. Sandoval have made great strides in making college accessible to all Nevadans.
The following programs are available to any Nevadan pursuing a degree:
More:TMCC to welcome first class of free students as the Nevada Promise Scholarship starts
More:NSHE improves odds for former Nevada foster children: Reilly
Have your say:How to submit an opinion column or letter to the editor
The Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship was created by the 1999 Legislature using the Tobacco Master Settlement funds to help keep the best and brightest students in Nevada. The scholarship is automatically provided to all Nevada high school graduates who meet the academic requirements. In 2016-2017, NSHE students were awarded about $33 million.
The Silver State Opportunity Grant was created by the 2015 Legislature to assist students attending community colleges or the state college. It was the first state-funded, need-based financial aid program in Nevada. In 2017/2018, more than $4 million in funds were awarded to 1,697 needy students. In 2018/2019, the entire $5 million provided by the Legislature will be distributed.
The Nevada Promise Scholarship was created by the 2017 Legislature as a “last-dollar” grant to provide additional funds students may need to make community college affordable. Students must meet several requirements, including community service. In the first year of the program, 1,318 met all of the requirements with an established need of more than $2.3 million. In the second year of the program, NSHE plans to expend all $3.5 million approved by the Legislature.
Prior to the state creating these outstanding programs, NSHE has provided Student Access funds for both merit- and need-based aid to assist students in meeting their financial needs. NSHE policy requires that a percentage of student fees collected are set aside for such aid. In 2016-2017 the campuses distributed $43.5 million directly to students.
Nevada high school graduates and local leaders realize that most of the jobs of the 21st century require a post-secondary credential. Whether it is a certificate, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or advanced degrees, funds are available to achieve personal and career goals. Through the efforts of the governor, legislators and NSHE regents, more than $84 million of state dollars a year are available to support Nevadans attending an NSHE institution. To learn more about these programs, visit Go to College Nevada at www.gotocollegenevada.org.
Dr. Jason Geddes is a native Nevadan, UNR alumnus, former chair of the Board of Regents, and District 11 regent since 2006.