The House today unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Dave Reed (R-Indiana) that would allow Pennsylvanians age 60 or older to enroll tuition-free in non-credit higher education courses on a space-available basis. 

“This bill offers older Pennsylvanians an opportunity to continue the life-long learning process,” Reed said.  “We are blessed in Pennsylvania to have a large and vibrant population of older folks and one of the best higher education systems in the nation.  This bill will allow older residents to learn a lot from our colleges and universities.  I think it will also be an opportunity for our colleges and universities to learn from our older folks.” 

Reed’s bill would establish the Older Pennsylvanian Higher Education Program (OPHEP).  OPHEP would allow older residents to enroll free of charge in credit or non-credit, certificate, degree or enrichment courses.  The bill would pertain to community colleges, state-owned and state-related colleges and universities. 

Pennsylvania higher education institutions would be permitted to choose whether or not to participate in the program. 

While older Pennsylvanians would not be charged tuition, they will be required to pay any additional fees or surcharges related to the selected courses. 

Participating higher education institutions would be responsible for establishing guidelines to implement the program.  Colleges and universities would establish their own course rules and responsibilities for older adults who participate in the program.  They also would determine procedures to admit participating older adults, determine the availability of higher education courses and establish whether the program will be for credit, noncredit, certification, degree or simply personal enrichment. 

Participating higher education institutions also would be responsible for sending complete program descriptions and information about the admissions process to the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA).  They also would coordinate with the local AAA to publicize and advertise the program. 

“This bill could help bridge the gap between generations,” Reed said.  “Our young folks could benefit from the life experiences that older Pennsylvanians will bring to the classroom.  At the same time, I think older folks can learn a lot from some of our bright, young college students.  Both groups bring something to the table and will benefit from one another.” 

Reed’s House Bill 349 now heads to the Senate for consideration. 

Rep. Dave Reed
62nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(717) 705-7173
www.RepDaveReed.net
Contact: Dan Massing
House Republican Public Relations
(717) 772-9845
www.pahousegop.com