Students and universities press lawmakers to boost Roberta B. Willis scholarships
February 20, 2023 | 2025 Legislature CT, Connecticut
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Students, university officials and workforce groups told the Connecticut Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee that the Roberta B. Willis scholarship is central to keeping students in state and easing college costs.
"I do support SB 5, and please fund that," said Christine Allen, a senior at the University of St. Joseph, in testimony about the program's importance to students from low‑income backgrounds. Nathan Perce, UConn's vice president for student life and enrollment, told the committee that "in fiscal year 24, over 4,000 UConn students received approximately $15,000,000 in funds" from Roberta Willis, and that unmet financial need across Connecticut residents at UConn totaled "well over $300,000,000." He urged the committee to balance transparency improvements with maintaining or increasing dollars for aid.
Higher‑education leaders from the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities and nonprofit partners such as Hartford Promise reinforced the workforce case for the program. Dr. Savon Hines of Hartford Promise said expanding the scholarship helps retain talent in Connecticut, noting a majority of program scholars choose in‑state colleges and many stay in Connecticut after graduation.
Testimony also focused on predictability for award timing. University representatives asked for clearer, earlier notification of allocations so institutions can include Roberta Willis awards in financial‑aid packages before students make their college decisions. UConn officials said they generally start packaging aid as early as November and that meaningful notification closer to January would be more useful than later, semester‑by‑semester notices.
No formal action was recorded at the hearing. Committee members and witnesses agreed on the scholarship's value, while some lawmakers pressed staff and institutions to refine timing language so students receive reliable award information before national enrollment decision deadlines such as May 1.
The committee will consider the testimony and any technical amendments as the bill proceeds through the legislative process.
"I do support SB 5, and please fund that," said Christine Allen, a senior at the University of St. Joseph, in testimony about the program's importance to students from low‑income backgrounds. Nathan Perce, UConn's vice president for student life and enrollment, told the committee that "in fiscal year 24, over 4,000 UConn students received approximately $15,000,000 in funds" from Roberta Willis, and that unmet financial need across Connecticut residents at UConn totaled "well over $300,000,000." He urged the committee to balance transparency improvements with maintaining or increasing dollars for aid.
Higher‑education leaders from the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities and nonprofit partners such as Hartford Promise reinforced the workforce case for the program. Dr. Savon Hines of Hartford Promise said expanding the scholarship helps retain talent in Connecticut, noting a majority of program scholars choose in‑state colleges and many stay in Connecticut after graduation.
Testimony also focused on predictability for award timing. University representatives asked for clearer, earlier notification of allocations so institutions can include Roberta Willis awards in financial‑aid packages before students make their college decisions. UConn officials said they generally start packaging aid as early as November and that meaningful notification closer to January would be more useful than later, semester‑by‑semester notices.
No formal action was recorded at the hearing. Committee members and witnesses agreed on the scholarship's value, while some lawmakers pressed staff and institutions to refine timing language so students receive reliable award information before national enrollment decision deadlines such as May 1.
The committee will consider the testimony and any technical amendments as the bill proceeds through the legislative process.
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