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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 4, 2023 09:57 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Steven R. Malagari |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | AP Exam Cost Reduction |
| Our Commonwealth is trailing behind 31 States across the nation that already help students with the cost of Advanced Placement (AP) exams. AP courses and exams help students develop the critical thinking skills they need to enter the workforce as entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals in Pennsylvania cities, suburbs, and rural communities. Unfortunately, students in lower socioeconomic classes are often unable to get credit for their participation in AP courses because of the cost of AP exams, which can add up to several hundreds of dollars depending on a student’s course load. These rigorous courses not only prepare students for college and the workforce, they can increase scholarship money students receive from colleges. By funding the cost of the AP exams, Pennsylvania takes a step closer to achieving equity in education. This bill will cover an 80% exam fee reduction to all AP and International Baccalaureate (IB) students. School districts will be responsible to cover the remaining 20% for students with financial need, and may also choose to do so for all students. School districts may use federal funds to cover its portion of the exam fee. By funding AP exams, we will allow students to pursue more rigorous coursework that will develop and harness their scholastic talents, in addition to providing an alternative Keystone exam pathway and incentivizing impactful courses. Making AP exams more affordable for students will develop a college-ready, apprenticeship-ready, and work-force ready body of students who can compete at the state and global level. Please join me in guaranteeing that all students will have the opportunity to get the best education that can be provided. |
Introduced as HB1875