On September 27, 2024, the newly-established State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) held its inaugural meeting. The Board was established by the 2024 Public PA School Code and is tasked with re-envisioning public higher education in the Commonwealth and increasing access and affordability for Pennsylvania’s postsecondary students. 

Established under revisions made to the PA Public School Code this year, SBHE will provide the capacity and the support that higher education leaders need to develop a statewide strategic plan for the sector and work together to achieve goals critical to the Commonwealth. To support these efforts, the Board will create a new postsecondary data system, provide guidance and capacity to institutions facing fiscal challenges, and create stronger and more affordable pathways to postsecondary credentials and degrees.   

Governor Josh Shapiro’s appointments to SBHE consist of leaders from higher education, the business community, labor, students, legislators, and members of the Shapiro Administration. 

The 2024-25 budget has invested heavily in higher ed. with an additional $60 million in community colleges and the Pennsylvania State System universities, and an additional $143 million to PHEAA to make college more affordable for PA students, including: a $54 million increase for student grants, a $5 million increase for disadvantaged students’ scholarships, a $36 million increase for the Ready to Succeed Scholarship and expanded criteria to increase the number of eligible students, and $25 million for the new Grow PA Scholarship Program.

See Board materials by clicking to access the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education website.     

For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please click here to visit the PDE website.