In a move to bolster higher education enrollment in West Virginia, the state government is directing more than $80 million to support financial aid programs and higher education institutions.
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 1007 on Friday after it was approved during the recent legislative session. The legislation aims to provide critical assistance amid challenges posed by the federal government’s new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Surrounded by recent high school graduates and college leaders during the signing, Justice emphasized the importance of the funding in ensuring students’ educational continuity.
“This money will help our students stay on track for their futures despite the mess created by the federal government,†Justice said. “Our students and higher education institutions deserve stability and support, and we are committed to providing it.â€
Bolstering grant awards
The bill directs $40 million to the state’s needs-based Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP), doubling the maximum award for eligible students from $3,400 to $6,800 for the 2024-25 academic year. Additionally, $11.2 million will fund the newly established College Access Emergency Grant, offering up to $2,000 for qualifying students. Another $32 million is earmarked for the operational support of West Virginia’s public colleges and universities.
Higher Education Chancellor Sarah Armstrong Tucker expressed gratitude for the legislative and executive support, highlighting the transformative impact of the funds.
“Students who qualify for HEGP will have access to up to double the normal amount for the upcoming academic year. This is in addition to a newly created grant program that will allow that support to reach even further. This is a game changer for our students in an otherwise challenging year,†Tucker said.
FAFSA fiasco
The rollout of the new FAFSA has caused significant disruptions, leading Justice to declare a State of Emergency in April. This declaration temporarily suspended the FAFSA completion requirement for the state’s largest financial aid programs, ensuring students could still qualify for aid despite the federal setbacks.
Senate President Craig Blair and House Speaker Roger Hanshaw also praised the swift legislative action.
“We had a real emergency facing our state, and thousands of our young people were at risk of seeing their dreams of attending college disappear because of the federal government’s failure to come through on their promises,†Blair said. “This funding will help our students and our higher education institutions be prepared for the upcoming academic year.â€
Hanshaw underscored the urgency of the funding.
“It was imperative these funds be made available right now because our higher education institutions are making financial aid awards for the fall semester right now,†he said. “We expect to be repaid substantially when the federal government corrects its failed system.â€
Addressing the issue
Leaders from various educational institutions across the state echoed these sentiments. West Virginia University President Gordon Gee highlighted the importance of the funding for students awaiting their aid packages.
“We know we have many students and families waiting for their aid packages to make their final decisions. That is why the Governor’s decision to help our students is so important,†Gee said.
Several other college presidents expressed their support and gratitude, including:
n Casey Sacks, Bridge- Valley Community and Technical College
n Josh Baker, Mountwest Community and Technical College
n Ericke Cage, West Virginia State University
n Brad D. Smith, Marshall University
n Kendra Boggess, Concord University.
