HB1298: Create Scholarship for Spoken Word Poetry Excellence

TN Gen. Assy Bill: HB1298

Sponsor: Powell

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Bill Summary

Act Enacted: Introduces the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act”.
Purpose: Establish a scholarship program for grade 12 students and students at public institutions of higher education in Tennessee.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must demonstrate artistic excellence in spoken word poetry.
Selection Process: Competitive and performance-based selection process to pursue higher education and further develop literary and performance skills.
Legislative Amendments: Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 4 and Title 49, Chapter 7.

Risks & Considerations

The introduction of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” could lead to increased competition among students for scholarships, particularly those with artistic talents in spoken word poetry. This may encourage students to develop their artistic skills, but it could also create pressure on students to excel in this specific area to secure financial aid.
There is a potential risk of resource allocation challenges, as funds may need to be diverted to support this new scholarship program. This could impact other scholarship programs or financial aid resources available to students in different fields.
The focus on spoken word poetry may not align with the interests or strengths of all students, potentially limiting the diversity of scholarship recipients. This could lead to a concentration of resources in a niche area, rather than a broad distribution across various disciplines.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how this scholarship program could affect its admissions and financial aid strategies, particularly in terms of attracting and supporting students with diverse artistic talents.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Department of English and other related departments may see increased interest from students pursuing spoken word poetry, leading to potential opportunities for program expansion and collaboration with the scholarship program.
The Office of Financial Aid might need to adjust its strategies to accommodate the new scholarship program, ensuring that students who excel in spoken word poetry are adequately supported.
Vanderbilt’s Creative Writing Program could benefit from increased visibility and interest, potentially attracting students who are recipients of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship.”
The Office of Admissions may need to consider how to effectively evaluate and recruit students who demonstrate artistic excellence in spoken word poetry.

Financial Impact

The establishment of this scholarship program could lead to changes in the financial aid landscape, potentially affecting the distribution of funds to other scholarship programs at Vanderbilt University.
Vanderbilt may experience an increase in applications from students with artistic talents, potentially impacting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to collaborate with the Tennessee student assistance corporation to support the implementation and success of the scholarship program, potentially leading to additional funding or partnership opportunities.
The focus on spoken word poetry could attract external funding or sponsorships from organizations interested in supporting the arts, providing additional financial resources for Vanderbilt’s programs.

Relevance Score: 3 (The act presents moderate risks involving compliance and resource allocation challenges.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office should evaluate the implications of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” which provides scholarships for students demonstrating artistic excellence in spoken word poetry. This could impact the university’s recruitment strategies and financial aid offerings, particularly for students with artistic talents.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission changes, including the addition of the executive director to the selection process for chief executive officers, should be monitored by Vanderbilt’s administration. Understanding these changes will be crucial for aligning with state-level governance and maintaining influence in higher education policy.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Institutional Research should prepare to contribute to the required reports on tuition discounts and waivers. By providing comprehensive data and analysis, the university can ensure its interests are represented in state evaluations of financial support and student outcomes.

Opportunities

The introduction of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Department of English and Creative Writing to develop programs that support and attract students interested in spoken word poetry. This could enhance the university’s reputation in the arts and attract a diverse student body.
The expanded authority of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Leadership to engage more deeply with state education policymakers. By participating in discussions and decision-making processes, Vanderbilt can help shape the future of higher education in Tennessee.
The focus on evaluating tuition discounts and waivers aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to affordability and access. The university can leverage this focus to highlight its own initiatives and successes in providing financial support to students, potentially influencing state policy in favor of increased funding for higher education.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with new scholarship opportunities and changes in state higher education governance.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.4

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – The text does not specify any deadlines or timing measures for program implementation.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation: Tasked with establishing a scholarship program, this agency is responsible for implementing the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act” through rulemaking to support students with demonstrated artistic excellence in spoken word poetry.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only one government organization is directly impacted by this legislation.)

Responsible Officials

Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation – Responsible for establishing the rules and administering the scholarship program as directed by the legislation.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives impact senior leadership within the state agency responsible for developing and implementing the new scholarship program.)