Missouri House debate could soon begin on a Senate bill that would establish a fund to reimburse certain students’ tuition, books, and fees to eligible postsecondary training programs.
Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, said her bill aims to ‘fill in the gap’ between similar existing programs like Fast Track and A+.
“This is allowing students who have qualified for the A+ program to be able to use that program for CNA, EMT, CDL, and those other programs that are shorter than a semester or two-year college,” said Carter.
Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the state Department of Higher Education would reimburse costs from the so-called Career-Tech Certificate Program Fund to approved institutions.
Sen. Mike Henderson, R-Desloge, supports the effort because he said it breaks the stigma associated with getting a blue collar job, such as a plumber or electrician.
“I think a few years ago we passed a bill called No Child Left Behind and we tried to convince everybody that you had to have a four-year degree to be a success,” said Henderson. “We tried to convince parents if their kids did not go to college and get a four-year degree that they probably weren’t a success. Those that decided to go into some of these vocations you’re trying to help, really weren’t being a real success at that time.”
A student’s eligibility for reimbursement would expire when they complete the program or when they exceed the normal amount of time it takes to complete the training program.
A Missouri House committee could soon hold a public hearing on the bill. The Missouri Senate gave the bill nearly unanimous support.
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