Nevada needs-based scholarship program bill advances but lacks funding
CARSON CITY — The state Senate on Friday approved a bill that would authorize a needs-based scholarship program for Nevada students, but the measure lacks funding to support it.
In its original form, Senate Bill 227 would have appropriated $5 million a year for scholarships to help needy students attend a community college or university.
Funding, however, was stripped out. Instead, the bill would direct the Nevada System of Higher Education to establish procedures on how the grants would be awarded and administrated.
State Sen. Ruben Kihuen, D-Las Vegas, said Nevada is one of only a few states that does have a need-based grant program to help poorer students attend collect.
It also would authorize the Board of Regents and higher education system to accept donations, grants and gifts to fund the program.
The bill now goes to the Assembly.
Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901. Find her on Twitter: @SandraChereb.
