Delaware Congressman Carney announces legislation to help students plan for college

Congressman Carney visited Dover High School on Tuesday to announce a new legislation to help students plan for college. Representative Carney made his announcement in front of Dover High School students and officials from Delaware universities and colleges.The legislation, known as The Higher Education Savings Act would create a pilot study to create individual savings accounts for high-achieving students from low-income households. Carney tells us that its more than just knowing where student want to go to college, but to create an awareness about the resources to pay for college.

“They think their inability to finance their college education are not taking advantage of those opportunities so we are losing on very qualified students,”says Representative Carney.

The pilot program  would set up Higher Education Savings Account for eligible 9th and 10th graders. The maximum amount that would be awarded would be $5,775 per semester for 12 semesters

Dr. Harry Lee Williams, the Delaware State University President says, “Those funds will build up 9th grade through your 10th grade to your senior year and when you become a senior you have some funds already designated that you can draw off of to help you go to your college choice.”

In the long run, students who qualify for these savings accounts will not only benefit prior to applying to college, but also when they graduate and have less to pay back.

“So if you can reduce the loan and receive the funds that are going to be grant funded that right there will provide first generation low income students a step ahead,” says Dr. Williams.

For more information on this legislation click here.