Transfer Grant Legislation Passes General Assembly
February 28, 2007

RICHMOND – A Transfer Grant program that will make a four-year college degree more affordable for some community college graduates was approved by the General Assembly Saturday and is headed to the office of Governor Tim Kaine for his consideration.

As approved by the General Assembly, the legislation, originally proposed by Sen. Walter A. Stosch and House of Delegates Speaker Vincent F. Callahan, would allow students entering a Virginia community college or Richard Bland College in the fall of 2007 to be eligible for a transfer grant once they receive their associate’s degree; maintain a 3.0 grade point average or better; and meet financial aid requirements. The grant will go toward their tuition expenses at a four-year college or university.

"This is an innovative and groundbreaking piece of legislation," said Glenn DuBois, chancellor of Virginia’s community colleges. "Making a college education more affordable for Virginia students and their families improves lives, improves communities, and improves the economy of the Commonwealth."

The legislation provides a $1,000 grant for all eligible students, with an extra $1,000 for students who pursue undergraduate work in engineering, math, nursing, teaching or science. The funds will be available to students whose families have an Expected Family Contribution of $8,000 or less as determined by filling out federal financial aid forms.

“This approach to helping young people attain four-year degrees is a win–win situation for them and for the state. By offering an incentive to begin higher education in the less costly community college setting, there are financial savings on both sides. With an impending spurt in enrollment demand, this measure will help keep college in Virginia affordable and accessible."

"Increased access to higher education is critical to Virginia’s economic vitality," added Del. Callahan.

Key supporters of the bill during the 2007 Session included the independent student advocacy group, Virginia21. "Thousands of students and supporters worked hard to see this legislation become a reality, and we’re thrilled to know more students will achieve their degrees because these grants will help eliminate cost as a barrier to a higher education," said Kelly Porrell, executive director of Virginia21.

The passage of the measure signals a growing awareness among General Assembly lawmakers of the importance of getting more Virginians to successfully complete higher education programs. Statistics show that people who earn a college degree are more likely to be employed, earn more money, and rely less upon government assistance. Higher education attainment is also proving to be a precondition for success in the global marketplace as jobs and opportunity come to the communities that successfully cultivate talent.

Getting more Virginians into higher education programs and having more Virginians earning college degrees are among the metrics in the Kaine Administration’s Strategic Plan for Economic Development. Recent Virginia data shows that, on average, only one out of five high school freshmen today will successfully complete a two- or four-year college degree program.

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Photo:  Patrick Henry students initiated a petition drive in support of Community College Transfer grants, then came to Richmond to talk to legislators about the bill.