Fewer high school students are expected to qualify for Utah's New Century scholarship under revisions introduced Wednesday in the Legislature.
The scholarship provides up to $5,000 in college assistance to high school graduates who complete an associate's degree before entering college, but the program's funding has been swamped by a flood of qualified applicants.
To avoid cutting the scholarship amount, SB132, sponsored by Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, would establish minimum GPA and test score requirements and advance the deadline for earning the associate's degree to June 15.
Now, about a third of New Century scholars take the summer after graduation to wrap up their degree, according to David Buhler, associate commissioner of higher education for public affairs.
"Most of the provisions kick in after this graduating class, so no effect for this year's seniors," Buhler said. "This is a tightening up, but not a major tightening. We think it will improve the program and ensure it's rigorous and sustainable."
The New Century application deadline passed Monday, but Buhler said officials are still tallying the number of applicants. Last fall, a record 575 Utah students qualified for the program and 1,008 are currently in college on a New Century scholarship.
The Legislature's Executive Appropriations Committee recommends $1.7 million for New Century next year and another $2 million for the Regents' scholarship, the state's other program to encourage students to prepare for college.
Under SB132, New Century scholars must graduate with a 3.0 grade point average and achieve an ACT score of at least 26. They would be barred from the Regents' program.
