House votes to boost GPA credit for certain classes for HOPE

The Georgia House voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to boost the GPA credits for college students who take tougher classes.

House Bill 801 would give those students a half-point boost, an important step for HOPE scholars who must maintain a 3.0 grade-point average to maintain the lottery-funded scholarship.

Sponsored by Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones, R-Milton, the bill passed 167-0 and must now go to the Senate.

Jones’ idea is to encourage students to take the tougher math, science, technology and engineering classes that are necessary for some of the hard-to-fill jobs in the state. A study last year found some college students avoid the tough classes and more technical careers in order to keep their grades high and retain merit-based aid

Jones’ bill requires the Board of Regents to consult with technical and private colleges to identify courses that would qualify for the extra half-point.

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Aaron Gould Sheinin

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