SB357 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Education, Alabama Commitment Scholarship program, created, Alabama Commission on Higher Education to administer, Alabama Commitment Scholarship Fund created

Summary

SB 357 would create the Alabama Commitment Scholarship Program to provide scholarships for Alabama high school graduates to attend a two-year community college, administered by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

What This Bill Does

It would establish the Alabama Commitment Scholarship Program and a dedicated Alabama Commitment Scholarship Fund to support eligible students. Eligible residents who graduate high school (including home-schooled students) or obtain a GED before age 20 and enroll full-time in an eligible two-year college fall term can receive the scholarship, with annual FAFSA requirements and maintained progress. The scholarship covers up to $2,000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees (first applied to tuition/fees and reduced if other aid exceeds costs) and ends after credential completion or after 2.5 years of attendance, with approved leaves allowed up to six months; continuous enrollment is required except for medical/personal leaves. Funds are provided only if appropriated by the Legislature, and any unused funds carry over to future years, with ACHE authorized to promulgate rules to administer the program.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who graduate from high school (including home-schooled students) and enroll full-time in an eligible two-year community college in Alabama to pursue a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
• Students who receive an Alabama Commitment Scholarship would get up to $2,000 per year toward tuition and mandatory fees, subject to required academic progress and participation in mentoring and community service programs.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama Commitment Scholarship Program for Alabama residents to pursue an associate degree, certificate, or diploma at an eligible state-supported two-year college, administered by ACHE with a dedicated fund.
• Defines eligible institutions as state-supported two-year community or technical colleges operated by the Alabama Community College System and defines residency per ACHE rules.
• Requires eligibility conditions: full-time fall enrollment after high school graduation (or GED/home school completion before age 20, with exceptions for extenuating circumstances by rule) and annual FAFSA submission; continued eligibility requires satisfactory academic progress.
• Mandates mentoring and community service participation for scholarship recipients, per ACHE rules.
• Sets scholarship amount at up to $2,000 per year toward tuition and mandatory fees, with gift aid applied first and total aid not exceeding the institution’s cost of attendance; funding subject to legislative appropriation and program rules.
• Limits on duration: scholarship ends upon earning a credential or after 2.5 years of attendance (excluding approved leaves); leaves of up to six months total are allowed under medical or personal leave rules, with continuous enrollment required otherwise.
• Creates the Alabama Commitment Scholarship Fund in the State Treasury to fund the program; interest income supports scholarships; unexpended funds carry over to future years.
• Authorizes ACHE to promulgate rules to implement the program, in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Procedures Act.
• Clarifies that the act is not an appropriation and funds may be expended only if appropriated by the Legislature.
• Takes effect immediately upon the Governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education