By: Representative Hans Hunt, House Majority Whip
As state legislators, we are charged with building a
better, brighter future for our state; for ensuring a robust, growing economy
and job opportunities for all citizens, and for creating an environment that
allows future generations to grow and thrive right here in Wyoming.
The Hathaway Scholarship Program does just that – providing
Wyoming students the opportunity to learn and excel in-state and fostering
future generations of Wyoming talent that will be critical to growing and
diversifying our economy. Since its inception in 2006, the Hathaway Scholarship
Program has provided merit- and need-based awards to thousands of Wyoming
students. In 2014, 5,302 students were awarded scholarships to the University
of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges.
Aiming to strengthen and improve the Hathaway
Scholarship program, the Wyoming State Legislature has considered a number of
bills that address how the scholarship should be awarded, what the requirements
should be, and how much should be spent from the state coffers.
Over the past several years, dozens of changes have
been made and the 2015 session is no exception.
Three significant Hathaway-related bills were brought
forward this session: HB 191, HB 192, and HB 231.
HB 191, which failed to pass the House Education
Committee, would have increased the number of hours a college student would have
to take to be considered a full time student from 12 to 15 hours.
HB 192, which is now being debated in the Senate,
would allow a student, after graduation, to become eligible for the
next-highest level of the scholarship if he or she can maintain a 3.25 GPA or
better for two consecutive semesters in college.
HB 231, which is currently being heard by the Senate
Education committee, would allow for emancipated minors or those who are the
legal guardians of a minor to qualify for a scholarship, assuming they have at
least obtained a GED.
There is a fourth bill concerning the scholarship
program which I co-sponsored, and which impacts not only the Hathaway
Scholarship, but looks at the larger picture of what opportunities students
have for continuing education, including pursuing a vocational education
program at one of the state’s community colleges. Originally envisioned as a
separate scholarship program all together, HB 103, has been refined into a task
force which would look at putting enhanced focus on scholarships for vocational
programs.
In a state where the vast majority of the economy is
fueled by the energy industry, there are many well-paying job opportunities for
students wishing to pursue careers in mechanics, wielding, electrical work,
plumbing, and other trade crafts. It is
vital for someone looking to work in these fields to have a specific
certification for their desired trade. Our seven community colleges around
Wyoming are invaluable educational assets. Wyoming’s greatest export should
never be its children and our youth should be able to get the education or
careers they desire here in Wyoming.
While students can use the Hathaway Scholarship to
attend a community college and enroll in these trade programs, current high
school curriculum is generally geared toward encouraging students to focus on
core classes such as math, science, and English. For those interested in going to
UW, these high-set requirements for obtaining the top level of the scholarship
are what makes the Hathaway program such a valuable tool, incentivizing
students to take advanced and college prep classes.
However, there are students whose aptitudes are geared
toward vocational trade skills who might feel like they are steered towards an
English class when they would rather be taking agriculture education classes.
Students who have ambitions of going into a vocational program should not be
discouraged from doing so. By arming Wyoming students with technical degrees
and certificates we can ensure that they can be prepared for competitive trade
jobs. It is my hope that the task force would look at promoting these types of
opportunities for students and finding ways to provide financial
assistance.
Having reaped the benefits of the Hathaway Scholarship myself, I can say it is an immeasurable help in reaching your higher education goals. But higher education does not necessarily mean a four-year degree at the University. There are plenty of economically viable jobs available after earning certifications from one of Wyoming’s vocational programs. It is my hope that we can continue to provide educational financial assistance and keep Wyoming’s best and brightest in Wyoming.
Representative Hans Hunt is the only current member of the Wyoming Legislature to have attended college with the assistance of the Hathaway scholarship. He currently serves on the House Education Committee.
