Gov’t mulls scholarship changes

The government will continue to support the scholarship program but changes will be needed on some policies and on the scholarship law itself, Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider said last week.

Hofschneider, the chairman of the House Committee on Health Education and Welfare, said the planned changes would touch on the course loads for off-island and on-island students.

For instance, off-island students would be required to carry at least 12 credits. Such would not be the case for on-island students, some of whom might be working part-time.

Hofschneider said part-time employment is particularly encouraged because this could reduce dependence on government jobs.

“We would like to see further strengthening of this emphasis so that existing employees in the private and public sector will move vertically rather than horizontally,” he said.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio agreed, saying the CNMI feels pride in seeing students through college.

Hofschneider also said the scholarship grants would be capped so that funds could be shared fairly.