H.R. 7689: Earl N. Williams, Sr., First Chance Act

This bill, titled the Earl N. Williams, Sr., First Chance Act, aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to introduce new forms of financial assistance for students participating in student support services programs at educational institutions. The key provisions of the bill include:

Inclusion of Living Assistance Grants

The bill introduces two types of grants under the student support services program:

• Basic Supplemental Living Assistance Grants: These grants are intended to help cover reasonable and anticipated expenses necessary for the completion of a student's first year of undergraduate studies.
• Emergency Supplemental Living Assistance Grants: These grants are designed to assist students in covering unanticipated expenses that may arise during the academic year, helping them to continue their education.

Eligibility and Distribution of Funds

To receive these grants, students must be participating in the student support services program. The educational institution will determine:

• The division of funds between basic and emergency grants, ensuring that both types receive financial support.
• The specific amount of each grant and the total grant funds available to eligible students, with a maximum of $500 for emergency grants in the 2027-2028 academic year, adjusted for inflation in subsequent years.

Determination of Expenses

The educational institution will take into account various factors when assessing what expenses the grants will cover, which may include:

• Cost of attendance for the student.
• Dependent care expenses beyond standard allowances.
• Transportation costs exceeding determined expenses.
• Personal items or other expenses not covered by the cost of attendance.

Restrictions and Regulations

Some important regulations regarding these grants include:

• Institutions may use no more than 2% of the funds awarded for the grants stipulated by this section.
• Grants awarded under this bill will not affect the determination of a student’s need for other financial aid, unless the total assistance exceeds the student's cost of attendance by a specified amount.
• Institutions must ensure collaboration between their student support services and financial aid offices when administering these grants.
• Funds provided under this program are meant to supplement existing non-Federal funds for student support services.

Conclusion of Key Provisions

The bill aims to provide students with additional financial resources to help lessen the burden of living expenses while pursuing their education, ultimately supporting student retention and success in higher education.

Relevant Companies

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