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Insular Areas College Access Act
12/15/2023, 3:54 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1031
The bill proposes several measures to achieve this goal. Firstly, it seeks to increase funding for colleges and universities in these insular areas, in order to improve the quality of education and expand opportunities for students. This funding would be used for a variety of purposes, such as improving infrastructure, hiring more faculty members, and offering more scholarships and financial aid to students.
Additionally, the bill aims to streamline the process for students from insular areas to apply for federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants and student loans. This would make it easier for students in these areas to afford college and pursue their educational goals. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to support workforce development in the insular areas, by providing funding for vocational training programs and partnerships with local businesses. This would help students in these areas gain the skills they need to succeed in the workforce and contribute to their local economies. Overall, the Insular Areas College Access Act is designed to address the unique challenges faced by students in the United States' insular areas and improve access to higher education for all residents.
Congressional Summary of HR 1031
Insular Areas College Access Act
This bill establishes a grant program to cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees for students who are residents of an outlying area (i.e., American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, or the Virgin Islands) and who attend a public institution of higher education located in a state, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
A student on whose behalf a grant is made must maintain full-time employment within the outlying area for at least two years. Further, a student who completes less than the required two years of employment must repay the grant, or the grant must be treated as a loan that is subject to repayment.
Lastly, the Government Accountability Office must report on the program's effectiveness in expanding educational opportunities for these students.
