Kentucky lawmakers overwhelmingly voted for a plan that would guarantee free community college or vocational training to high school graduates in the state.

More than 40 Republicans joined the chamber's Democratic majority in passing the Work Ready Scholarship Bill.

GET MORE GOOD NEWS FOR FREE WITH OUR APP—>  Download FREE for Android and iOS

Anyone who graduates high school, home school, or receives their GED high school equivalency certificate would be able to have their tuition covered by the state while they attend up to six semesters, as long as they maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

The plan is expected to benefit 15,000 to 18,000 Kentucky students immediately at a cost of $20 million a year.

The Work Ready bill moves on to the Kentucky senate for a vote there and, if passed, to the governor's desk.

Under the plan, students would still have to apply for financial aid — such as grants and scholarships — but if that doesn't cover all the costs, the bill will require the state to make up the difference.

Students would have to take at least 12 credit hours per semester and meet the minimum standard for grades to qualify for the program.

(LEARN more in the Louisville Courier-Journal) — Photo: robtowne0, CC

Share The Surprising Good News…