FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Tuesday afternoon, Candidate for State Senate Jack Morris announced his community college affordability plan. He presented his initiative during the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 166 annual Industrial Advancement and Apprenticeship Promotion event.
The program provides two years of tuition-free community college or technical training for high school seniors.
“Ensuring Hoosier graduates have the skills to compete in the 21st century economy demands immediate action,” said Morris. “By making community college or technical training a realistic option for more Hoosiers, we can create a pipeline of qualified workers for in-demand industries.”
Morris modeled his proposal after a similar program launched last year in Tennessee that couples last-dollar tuition support with mentoring and a commitment from participants to engage in community service. Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
“The cost of higher education is pricing many middle-class Hoosiers out of a better future,” said Morris. “By pursuing this plan, we can give those same students a shot at the skills they need to succeed.”