Committee hears proposal for John F. Kennedy service scholarship to offset student debt for volunteers

Representative Irina DeRosa told the Joint Committee on Higher Education that H.1421, the John F. Kennedy Service Scholarship Program, would offer a one‑time educational award aimed at reducing student debt and encouraging public service.

DeRosa described the proposal as targeted relief: Massachusetts residents who are alumni of the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps or Commonwealth Corps and who work for nonprofit or government employers would be eligible for a one‑time $5,000 education award. “If you were a Massachusetts resident and an alum of Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Commonwealth Corps, and you work in a non profit or government entity, you're eligible for a one time $5,000 educational award,” she said.

DeRosa framed the bill as a tool to make service programs accessible to lower‑ and moderate‑income students, noting that volunteer service programs are “skewing toward higher incomes” because costs deter some participants. She described the proposal as a framework that could take years to implement and invited further committee discussion about financing and program design.

Committee members asked about cost estimates and take‑up rates; DeRosa said counts of Massachusetts residents who served in the Peace Corps and similar programs could inform financing and that the bill could be structured with a capped annual appropriation. No cost estimate or appropriation was presented at the hearing, and committee members did not take a formal vote.

The committee accepted written testimony and representatives indicated interest in working with DeRosa to refine eligibility and financing.