Story Created:
Jan 27, 2010 at 5:24 PM AKDT
Story Updated:
Jan 27, 2010 at 5:24 PM AKDT
State Education Commissioner Larry LeDoux is defending the governor's merit-based scholarship plan. LeDoux says the scholarships should encourage students to aim high.
Some lawmakers have questioned whether the plan should also be broadened to include not only good students but also those who need
help paying for college.
In a House Education Committee hearing Wednesday, Anchorage Rep.
Berta Gardner said a merit-only approach may create a lost opportunity, because many families would pay for an education on
their own.
Gov. Sean Parnell wants college and vocational scholarships for high school graduates who get good grades and complete a rigorous course schedule. Investment earnings from a $400 million set-aside of state reserves would pay for the program.
