SB101 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Trip Pittman

Session

Regular Session 2013

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

SB101 would create an Early Graduation Scholarship Program to give scholarships to Alabama students who graduate high school early (11th grade or one semester early) to attend a state two-year or four-year college or vocational program.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Early Graduation Scholarship Program and Fund and tasks the Department of Education and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education with administering it. It sets eligibility requirements and grant amounts for early graduates, with up to $1,250 in the first year and $750 in the second year for those who graduate at least one year early, or up to $1,000 and $500 for those who graduate one semester early, for up to two academic years. It funds the scholarships from Foundation Program funds allocated to the student’s high school, with per-pupil funding adjustments for districts, and requires the Commission to award funds to qualifying postsecondary institutions upon verification of admission and costs. The bill includes rules for priority if funds are limited, repayment if a student doesn’t complete the year, a requirement to complete the first year before second-year funds are released, and annual reporting on program results.

Who It Affects

• Students who graduate high school early (11th grade or one semester early) and enroll in Alabama two-year or four-year colleges or vocational programs; they would be eligible for tuition, books, and fees assistance up to specified amounts.
• School districts, the State Department of Education, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, and qualifying postsecondary institutions; they would administer the program, allocate and track funds, notify each other about graduates, verify admissions and costs, and manage funding flows and reporting.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Early Graduation Scholarship Program and a dedicated Early Graduation Scholarship Fund.
• Eligibility criteria for students: graduates early from a public high school in Alabama, passes graduation exams, state residency, and completion of FAFSA.
• Scholarship amounts and duration: up to $1,250 first year and $750 second year (for at least one year early) or up to $1,000 first year and $500 second year (for one semester early), for up to two academic years and within 36 months, prorated for part-time students.
• Funding mechanism: funds come from Foundation Program funds allocated to the student’s high school; per-pupil ADM adjustments ($2,200 or $1,700) for districts until the class graduates; money deposited into the Early Graduation Scholarship Fund.
• Administration and processing: ACHE develops forms and procedures; the Department of Education and ACHE select eligible students; postsecondary institutions verify admission and costs and receive payments.
• Priority and waiting list: if funds are insufficient, awards are prioritized for previous-year recipients in good standing; others placed on a waiting list.
• Repayment and conditions: students or institutions must reimburse unused funds if a student does not complete the year; second-year funds depend on first-year completion in good standing.
• Reporting: annual report due by December 1 with detailed data on graduates, scholarships, fund balance, and administrative expenditures.
• Effective date: law takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

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