QUICK FACTS ABOUT PROPOSED CENTENNIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM

With BC-CNS-Centennial Scholars

By Cronkite News Service

Here are some quick facts about the Centennial Scholars Program as proposed in a strike-everything amendment to HB 2211 Wednesday in the Senate Higher Education Committee:

_ Origin: Gov. Janet Napolitano proposed such a program, timed to coincide with Arizona’s centennial in 2012, in her State of the State Address. Rep. Andy Tobin, R-Paulden, offered a similar plan in a bill that didn’t receive committee action. The current bill comes from a strike-everything amendment to a House bill offered by Sen. Tom O’Halleran, R-Sedona.

_ Goal: Provide free public university or community college tuition to students who demonstrate need and maintain at least a “B” average, eschew criminal activity, alcohol and drugs and perform at least 100 hours of community service during high school.

Estimated Participation: 6,100 students in the first year expected to qualify for free tuition, which would be worth $28 million.