Gov. Shapiro signs into law education-focused FY 2024-25 budget at Cheyney University ceremony

Gov. Josh Shapiro on Friday held a ceremonial bill signing at Cheyney University of the higher education reforms that became law as part of the newly signed 2024-2025 state budget.

“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed — and that’s exactly what this budget delivers,” Shapiro said in his first budget address. “My administration has made higher education a priority again, and this budget represents the first significant progress on higher education in 30 years.”

Along with Pennsylvania Education Secretary Khalid Mumin, Shapiro gathered with state and local legislators, higher education leaders, and students for the signing ceremony at Cheyney University, the nation’s oldest historically Black college and university (HBCU).

Among many colleges and states in the commonwealth, the new law stands to benefit HBCUs like Cheyney University, which in 1983 became part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Cheyney will receive an additional $992,500 for next year, bringing the university’s total state appropriation to more than $21.7 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

“We’re developing a new vision for higher education — one focused on competitiveness and workforce development and grounded in access and affordability,” said Shapiro. “That vision places an emphasis on Pennsylvania’s HBCUs — like Cheyney — so they can continue to open doors to opportunity for Pennsylvania students for generations to come.”

Mumin said that Pennsylvania’s HBCUs produce nearly 20 percent of all African American college graduates and nearly 25 percent of all African American STEM graduates.

“It is critical that we invest in these institutions so they can continue to prepare learners for the jobs of the future,” said Mumin. “The Shapiro administration takes that commitment seriously and is making progress for the first time in decades — building a stronger higher education system that meets Pennsylvania’s needs long term and makes higher education more affordable for more students.”

Toward that goal, the governor pointed out that the budget includes funds to create a new State Board of Higher Education that will, for the first time, coordinate every sector of higher education in Pennsylvania and utilize student-level data to determine what’s working and what’s not.

The board will also create a performance-based funding council tasked with developing recommendations on how to create a performance-based funding formula to drive funds to state-related institutions.

Among other key provisions highlighted by Shapiro are investments in public higher education institutions, including a $15.7 million increase (6 percent) for community colleges and a $35.1 million increase for PASSHE schools (also 6 percent).

The newly enacted budget also will make higher education more affordable for students with over $120 million in increased funding for scholarships and grants, including $28 million for scholarships to students pursuing a degree in a high-demand field, a $54 million increase to PHEAA student grants, and $5 million for disadvantaged students’ scholarships.

It also doubles funding for student teacher stipends for a total of $20 million to ensure student teachers are compensated for their hard work.

“Today is a historic day for higher education in Pennsylvania [and] Cheyney University proudly stands with Gov. Josh Shapiro as he signs this transformative bill,” said Cheyney University President Aaron Walton. “His commitment to investing in our institutions, especially HBCUs, ensures we can continue to provide exceptional education to our students. This investment acknowledges the critical role of HBCUs in shaping future leaders and opens doors to countless opportunities for our community.”

Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Appropriations Chairman Vincent Hughes (D-7) added that the bill not only champions transparency in higher education but also paves the way for a seamless transfer process between public institutions.

“By fostering clarity and accessibility, we empower our students to make informed choices about their education, ensuring that every pathway leads to success,” he said.

PA House Reps. Peter Schweyer (D-134), Jennifer O’Mara (D-165), Mary Isaacson (D-175), and Craig Williams (D-160) were also present during the signing ceremony, as was PA Sen. John Kane (D-9).

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