SB118 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Early Graduation Scholarship Program and Fund, established to provide grants to students who graduate from high school early, Foundation Program to provide funds, duties to Education Department and Commission on Higher Education

Summary

SB118 would create an Early Graduation Scholarship Program to help students who graduate high school early attend Alabama colleges or vocational programs with financial aid.

What This Bill Does

The bill establishes a program that provides scholarships to qualifying students who graduate at least a semester or a year early and enroll in an in-state two-year or four-year college or vocational program. Scholarships cover tuition, books, and fees for up to two academic years, with specific dollar limits based on how early graduation occurs. The program is run by the Department of Education and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, funded through Foundation Program funds and a dedicated Early Graduation Scholarship Fund, with districts, institutions, and students having defined roles and responsibilities.

Who It Affects

• Students who graduate from Alabama high schools early (one semester or one year before the scheduled graduation) and enroll in in-state postsecondary programs; they may receive scholarship funds to cover tuition, books, and fees.
• Alabama school districts and state education agencies (Department of Education and Alabama Commission on Higher Education), which would administer the program, distribute funds, notify about early graduates, and report on program results.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Early Graduation Scholarship Program and the Early Graduation Scholarship Fund, with funds deposited from Foundation Program monies and governed by the Commission; funds are continuously appropriated and can cover up to two academic years with limited administrative costs (up to 5%) and staff.
• Eligibility criteria for students: must have graduated early (one semester or at least one year early), have a passing score on graduation exams, be a Alabama resident for at least 12 months, and submit the FAFSA.
• Scholarship amounts and duration: full-time students receive up to $1,250 (or actual costs) in the first year and up to $750 (or actual costs) in the second year for graduates at least one year early; graduates one semester early receive up to $1,000 (or actual costs) in the first year and up to $500 (or actual costs) in the second year; maximum of two years, completed within 36 months after high school graduation; part-time students’ amounts are prorated.
• Funding flow to districts: districts continue to receive Foundation Program funds for early graduates but minus specified amounts ($2,200 per year early, or $1,700 per semester early) until the class graduates; funds must be placed in the district’s maintenance and operations fund.
• Administration and eligibility processing: the Commission awards scholarships after verification of admission and enrollment costs; the Department and Commission must provide forms, procedures, and deadlines and notify when a student graduates early.
• Funding priority and waiting list: if funds are insufficient, awards go to eligible students in application order, with priority given to those who previously received a grant and are in good academic standing; a waiting list is maintained for others.
• Unused funds and enrollment status: if a student does not complete a year, the student or institution must reimburse the fund; second-year funds require first-year completion in good standing.
• Extracurricular participation: students receiving the scholarship may participate in extracurricular activities and high school graduation ceremonies at no extra cost.
• Postsecondary institutions and reporting: qualifying institutions must notify the Commission if a recipient is no longer in good standing or enrolled; annual reporting to show program results and fund balances.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education