Alert reader Eddie sent us this link from the Argus Leader: "Planning in Limbo for Scholarship Students," by Terry Wooster.
Higher-education officials halted printing last week of college-prep material until they learn whether Gov. Mike Rounds signs a bill that cuts $1,000 from the value of a state-paid scholarship.
The scholarship is designed to encourage our better students to choose in state colleges and programs. As a Professor at Northern, I have to disclose a vested interest in the latter policy aim. But it surely seems like something critical to the future of this state.
Because of the unexpected number of qualifying students - 827 instead of the projected 650 - the Legislature decided the scholarship should provide $1,000 for each of four years. When lawmakers funded the program last year, they set a $2,000 payment in the final year after three years of $1,000 each. In a compromise just before session ended, legislators agreed to keep the $2,000 final payment for college freshmen this year and for high-school seniors who will be scholarship recipients next fall. The $1,000 cut would kick in the following year, depending on Rounds' decision.
The cut is hardly draconian in individual terms, but it does show how hard its going to be to arrest the population drain that threatens the whole region. Anything that keeps a student in state for a bit longer raises the chances that he or she will ultimately stay. Anything that can attract someone from outside will help to replenish our supply of citizens. If we really wanted to help the state grow, we would be creating new scholarships to out of state students who want to come here. Once people get here, they usually find they like it.
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