Tennessee House approves bill for WGU scholarships targeting nontraditional students

Tennessee's House Education Committee made significant strides in supporting nontraditional students during their meeting on April 1, 2025. The committee unanimously approved House Bill 1056, which introduces a 25% discount on tuition for children under 24 whose parents are full-time public school employees, extending this benefit to support staff, including custodians and food service workers. This initiative aims to enhance access to higher education for families dedicated to public service in the education sector.

The bill now moves to the finance committee for further consideration, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to support educational opportunities for all segments of the workforce. Representative Garrett, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the importance of this legislation in providing financial relief to families and fostering a more educated workforce in Tennessee.

Additionally, the committee discussed House Bill 645, which aims to include Western Governors University (WGU) Tennessee in the Ben Ashley Opportunity Grant program. This amendment would allow WGU students to access scholarship funds that were previously unavailable to them. The bill's proponents highlighted WGU's role in serving nontraditional students, particularly those balancing work and family commitments, and its success in graduating over 13,000 students since its establishment in the state.

While the committee expressed strong support for these initiatives, concerns were raised about the potential impact on existing scholarship funds and the balance between supporting online education and traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. Some members cautioned that expanding access to scholarships could strain resources and limit opportunities for students already enrolled in traditional colleges.

The discussions reflect a broader commitment to enhancing educational access and economic opportunity for Tennessee residents, particularly those in underserved communities. As these bills progress, the committee's actions signal a proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of students and the workforce in the state.