Greater than 21,000 college students at 15 personal schools and universities in Florida may lose entry to the Efficient Entry to Pupil Training (EASE) Grant beneath the Florida Home of Representatives’ proposed price range, in response to the Unbiased Schools and Universities of Florida (ICUF).
The EASE Grant at the moment gives $3,500 yearly to eligible undergraduates attending certified, nonprofit personal establishments throughout the state.
The Home price range plan, which can go to a vote on Wednesday, would tie grant eligibility to a set of efficiency metrics. These embody a minimal 54% commencement charge, a 67% first-year retention charge, and a set of affordability standards. If permitted, the proposal would disqualify half of the ICUF’s 30-member establishments, together with high-profile faculties such because the College of Miami, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical College, and Keiser College.
Catholic establishments like Barry College and St. Thomas College, in addition to Florida’s three traditionally Black schools — Florida Memorial College, Edward Waters School, and Bethune-Cookman College — would even be affected.
Bob Boyd, president of ICUF, warned that the proposed adjustments would undermine entry to greater schooling for 1000’s of Floridians.
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“The aim of EASE was to create entry for college students to enter our establishments, as a result of the general public faculties can’t serve each scholar in Florida, they usually can’t produce each diploma that Florida wants,” Boyd mentioned.
The grant program has supported scholar selection in greater schooling since its creation in 1979. Boyd famous that the proposed Home price range would slash the EASE award by $76 million.
“What folks in Florida could not know is that, like in Okay-12 the place we’ve college selection, we’ve greater ed selection,” Boyd mentioned. “Since 1979, the EASE voucher has helped Florida residents attend a non-public, nonprofit school. However within the Home price range, they’ve minimize this award by $76 million — affecting 22,000 college students.”
Boyd emphasised the significance of ICUF establishments in coaching professionals in vital sectors.
“ICUF faculties produce about 30% of Florida’s nurses,” he mentioned. “We have already got pilot, nursing, and trainer shortages. Chopping this funding means we danger dropping future professionals in precisely the areas the place Florida wants them most.”
He additionally identified the grant’s cost-effectiveness: “The return on funding is great. Florida solely spends $3,500 per scholar — a lot lower than what the state spends per scholar within the public college system — to supply high-demand levels.”
Whereas the Home price range consists of these deep cuts, the Florida Senate has not proposed comparable reductions. With each chambers anticipated to move their respective budgets this week, formal negotiations on the ultimate state price range for the fiscal 12 months starting July 1 are set to start.
“We’re hoping the Home comes again round,” Boyd mentioned. “This isn’t nearly schooling — it’s about the way forward for Florida’s workforce.”
