SB1212: Create Scholarship for Spoken Word Poetry Excellence

TN Gen. Assy Bill: SB1212

Sponsor: Oliver

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Bill Summary

Bill Title: Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act
Purpose: Establish a scholarship program for grade 12 students and students at public institutions of higher education in Tennessee
Focus Area: Recognizes artistic excellence in spoken word poetry
Selection Criteria: Competitive, performance-based process to assess candidates’ literary and performance skills
Administration: Program to be set up by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation through rulemaking

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 skills in this area, but it could also create pressure on students to excel in a niche field.
There is a potential risk of unequal access to resources for students to develop their spoken word poetry skills, which could disadvantage those from lower socio-economic backgrounds who may not have access to necessary training or platforms to showcase their talents.
The implementation of this scholarship program depends on the Tennessee student assistance corporation’s ability to establish effective rules and selection processes. Any delays or inefficiencies in this process could impact the timely distribution of scholarships.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how this scholarship program could affect its admissions and financial aid strategies, particularly in attracting students with diverse artistic talents.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music and other arts-related programs may see increased interest from students who are recipients of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship,” potentially leading to a more diverse and talented student body.
The Office of Financial Aid at Vanderbilt might need to adjust its strategies to accommodate students who are recipients of this new scholarship, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to succeed in their academic pursuits.
Vanderbilt’s Admissions Office could see an increase in applications from students with unique artistic talents, necessitating a review of admissions criteria to ensure alignment with the university’s goals for diversity and inclusion.

Financial Impact

The introduction of this scholarship program could lead to changes in the financial aid landscape, with potential implications for how Vanderbilt allocates its own scholarship funds to attract and support talented students.
Vanderbilt University might experience an increase in applications from students who are recipients of the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship,” potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to collaborate with the Tennessee student assistance corporation to support the development and success of scholarship recipients, potentially leading to new partnerships and funding opportunities.

Relevance Score: 3 (The scholarship program presents moderate risks and opportunities for Vanderbilt, particularly in terms of admissions and financial aid strategies.)

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 and the expansion of non-degree credentials, should be monitored by Vanderbilt’s administration. These changes could influence leadership dynamics and credential offerings at the university.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Institutional Research should prepare to contribute to the required reports on tuition discounts and waivers. This will ensure that the university’s financial strategies align with state expectations and reporting requirements.

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, enhancing the university’s reputation in the arts.
The expansion of quality non-degree credentials presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Continuing Education Programs to develop new offerings that align with the Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant, potentially increasing enrollment and diversifying educational pathways.
By engaging with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s revised processes, Vanderbilt can influence the selection and development of higher education leadership in the state, positioning itself as a key player in shaping educational policy and administration.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to changes in scholarship opportunities and reporting requirements.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.4

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – No specific timeline or deadline was provided in the summary; the directive only requires the establishment of rules for the scholarship program.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation: This state agency is mandated to establish a competitive scholarship program, directly affecting its rulemaking and administrative oversight functions.
Public Institutions of Higher Education in Tennessee: Although not a single agency, these institutions are indirectly impacted as the act targets their student populations and can influence enrollment and program development.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 agencies are directly impacted by the act.)

Responsible Officials

Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation – Tasked with establishing the rules and implementing the scholarship program under the “Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act”.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives affect the agency head responsible for setting policy and program implementation.)