Kansas lawmakers debate inclusion of for-profit schools in Promise Scholarship program

A heated debate erupted in the Kansas House Chamber over Senate Bill 24, which proposes to include for-profit institutions in the state's Promise Scholarship program. The bill aims to expand eligibility to private schools, specifically those that are Title IV compliant, which currently includes only two Kansas institutions: Wichita Technical Institute and Heartland Welding Academy.

Critics of the bill, including Representatives Stockstill and Poskin, voiced strong opposition, arguing that adding for-profit schools could undermine the integrity of the scholarship program. Representative Stockstill emphasized concerns from local colleges and universities, suggesting that for-profit institutions have questionable backgrounds and should not be included without further research. He urged fellow lawmakers to vote against the bill, highlighting the potential risks to students and taxpayers.

Representative Poskin echoed these sentiments, recalling past scandals involving for-profit colleges that resulted in significant financial losses for taxpayers. She pointed out that while the bill increases the funding cap for scholarships, it lacks additional appropriations to support this increase. Poskin warned that students at for-profit schools would likely still need to rely on federal and private loans, contradicting the Promise Scholarship's intent to provide last-dollar funding.

The discussion highlighted the broader implications of including for-profit institutions in state-funded education programs, raising questions about the future of the Promise Scholarship and its ability to support students effectively. As the debate continues, lawmakers must weigh the potential benefits against the risks associated with for-profit education.