Delaware’s landmark SEED and INSPIRE scholarship programs have allowed thousands of residents to further their education and develop important skills without the financial burden that often accompanies higher education. Under new legislation proposed by Democratic lawmakers, these programs could be expanded further, making certain Delaware colleges tuition-free for eligible students.

Senate Bill 12 sponsored by Sen Nicole Poore and Rep. Longhurst would expand Delaware’s landmark Student Excellence Equals Degree program, or SEED, which provides scholarship funding to recent high school graduates attending Delaware Tech. Under this new legislation, adults and others previously excluded from this program would be included in the SEED. SB 95, sponsored by Sen Paradee and Rep. Bolden, would increase Delaware’s INSPIRE program, which provides scholarship funding to Delaware State students meeting certain criteria. With this expansion, their full tuition would be covered. 

On this episode, we’ll hear more about these scholarships and what they mean for Delaware’s workforce and residents from INSPIRE sponsor Stephanie Bolden and Del Tech President Mark Brainard.