Empire editorial: Parnell's push for higher learning

Gov. Sean Parnell took a big step Tuesday toward making college more affordable by proposing the state devote $400 million in savings toward a merit-based scholarship program for Alaska high school students. The plan would encourage Alaska's high schoolers to attend college in-state, with an estimated 2,900 students eligible for money.

Parnell should be commended for making affordable post-secondary education a high priority. Today's students will be tomorrow's workforce, whether educated or not. The "Governor's Performance Scholarship" is incentive for students to stay in school and pursue post-secondary education here in Alaska. It also will require students to complete a more rigorous curriculum, leaving them better prepared for life after high school.

The GPS program would require students to take four years of math, language arts and science, and three years of social studies to qualify for the scholarships. About 65 percent of students entering the UA system now are required to enroll in remedial math and English courses due to low test scores. The GPS program should reduce that number.

"My goal is to build a better-prepared, in-state workforce," Parnell said Thursday. "Kids dropping out now are becoming our workers ... or they remain on public assistance."

There's one area, however, the program doesn't address at all: Needs-based scholarship money. University of Alaska administrators and student representatives said they would like to see more needs-based funding from the state. Parnell's GPS program could do just that by allocating a certain portion of the $400 million in funds for students who otherwise couldn't afford post-secondary education or job training.

Of the 15 states that make up the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, Alaska ranked 11th in terms of needs-based scholarship money available to students, a 2006 commission report shows. Alaska's contribution of needs-based scholarship money was $29 per student, according to the report, compared to $736 in Washington and $569 in California. South Dakota was at the bottom with no money contributed.

The GPS program as it stands would be merit-based only, meaning high school students with an "A" average would receive a full ride to any qualifying Alaska university or in-state job training institution, "B" students would get 75 percent paid for and "C+" students would receive 50 percent.

The governor's GPS program is a piece of legislation all Alaskans should support, and it will go a long way in helping students prepare for college and job training, while also encouraging them to stay in state. In the end, Alaska will have a more competent and capable workforce in the years ahead. We also hope the governor heeds advice from UA officials and students by ensuring a portion is reserved for those who need it most.