State Board of Higher Education Holds Inaugural Meeting, Begins Work to Increase Competitiveness, Accessibility, and Affordability

Harrisburg, PA - The newly-established State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) today held its inaugural meeting. The Board was established by 2024 Public School Code, as a result of Governor Shapiro's blueprint for higher education, and is tasked with re-envisioning public higher education in the Commonwealth and increasing access and affordability for Pennsylvania's postsecondary students.

"The State Board of Education brings together leaders from across the Commonwealth to fulfill an ambitious-and critical-mission: enabling our institutions of higher education to better serve current and future learners," said Secretary of Education and SBHE Board Member Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. "A thriving postsecondary system benefits our workforce, our economy, and our communities, and I am honored to serve on this Board and help create a lasting impact for generations to come."

Board materials can be found on the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education website.

Established under revisions made to the Public School Code this year, SBHE will provide the capacity and the support that higher education leaders need to develop a statewide strategic plan for the sector and work together to achieve goals critical to the Commonwealth. To support these efforts, the Board will create a new postsecondary data system, provide guidance and capacity to institutions facing fiscal challenges, and create stronger and more affordable pathways to postsecondary credentials and degrees.

Earlier this month, Governor Josh Shapiroannounced his appointments to SBHE, consisting of leaders from higher education, the business community, labor, students, legislators, and members of the Shapiro Administration.

"I am so honored to work with this remarkable group of individuals and to chair this historic board," said SBHE Board Chair Dr. Cynthia Shapira. "I am confident that if we work together, we will chart a new course for higher education in the Commonwealth."

In his first budget address, Gov. Shapiro called on state leaders to rethink higher education in the Commonwealth. Over the past year and a half, the Shapiro Administration brought together dozens of vested partners to have meaningful conversations about higher education in Pennsylvania, and to build on the Administration's plan for higher education.

Gov. Shapiro's 2024-25 budget invests an additional $60 million in community colleges and the Pennsylvania State System universities, and an additional $143 million to PHEAA to make college more affordable for PA students, including: a $54 million increase for student grants, a $5 million increase for disadvantaged students' scholarships, a $36 million increase for the Ready to Succeed Scholarship and expanded criteria to increase the number of eligible students, and $25 million for the new Grow PA Scholarship Program.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please visit the website or follow PDE on InstagramOpens In A New Window, FacebookOpens In A New Window, TwitterOpens In A New Window, YouTubeOpens In A New Window, or PinterestOpens In A New Window.

MEDIA CONTACT: Erin James, [email protected]

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