Florida bill would give high school dropouts free college tuition [Video]

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A bill aimed at providing a path to higher education for high school dropouts was backed by both the Education & Employment Committee and the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday.

The bill, HB 7051, would create the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education (GATE) Program, GATE Scholarship Program, and GATE Startup Grant Program for people ages 16 to 21 who dropped out of high school.

These programs would provide a cost-free alternative to earning a diploma or workforce credential and would require postsecondary career centers and institutions in the Florida College System to waive 100% of their tuition fees and instructional materials costs, giving the student a chance to earn a higher education for free.

To be eligible for the GATE programs, a student must have the following:

• Not have earned a standard high school …