Law allows Delaware State University students to apply for four years of Inspire Scholarships

DOVER, Del. – Joined by members of the General Assembly, educators from Delaware State University, and Delaware State University (DSU) students, Governor John Carney signed Senate Bill 90 into law on Saturday. The new law strengthens the Inspire Scholarship program, which offers scholarship assistance for qualifying Delaware high school students to attend Delaware State University.

Senator Brian Bushweller, Representative Stephanie Bolden, and Representative Sean Lynn sponsored the legislation.

The Inspire Scholarship aims to attract achieved Delaware high school graduates to DSU. The new law extends the scholarship program to eight continuous semesters – from six – allowing eligible students to benefit from the program throughout their college career. Some 1,700 students have already benefitted from this program, and returned over 100,000 hours in community service to Delaware.

“The goal of the Inspire Scholarship is to keep Delaware’s best and brightest here learning and growing in our state,” said Governor Carney. “By extending the length of the Inspire Scholarship, we will attract more talented Delawareans to apply for this scholarship, to learn from the incredible faculty at Delaware State University, and to be compelled to stay and succeed in Delaware after graduation.”

“Senate Bill 90 brings to full fruition the Inspire Scholarship at Delaware State University, which was originally sponsored by former State Representative Darryl Scott and myself,” said Senator Bushweller. “The Inspire Scholarship invests in our future by keeping some of our brightest students in Delaware, helping them enter the workforce with low debt or no debt, and making it likelier that they make up the backbone of our economy over the long run. This sort of investment doesn’t just help kids go to college — it’s key to growth in our local economy and the middle class.”

“The Inspire Scholarship Program has helped hundreds of Delaware students – many of whom are first-generation college students – attain a strong, quality education. I am so proud to see this program expand so that students will continue to have the tuition help as they complete their degrees. It is an investment that will prepare them for a bright, successful future,” said Representative Bolden. “It was so energizing to be present with Governor Carney as he signed this legislation at Delaware State University’s 132nd Commencement, and I am excited to see the new opportunities this program will give students. These students are Delaware’s future.”

“By fully investing in the Inspire Scholarship Program we are empowering Delaware students and supporting them as they pursue their dreams,” said Representative Lynn. “This tuition help is a vital pathway to many students, and will help them post-graduation and beyond.”

“If a Delaware student wants equitable access to a comprehensive degree granting University and the greatest diversity of fellow students, faculty and staff in the region, then Delaware State University is already the best value for them,” said Dr. Tony Allen, Executive Vice President and Provost, Delaware State University. “Adding the fourth year of Inspire makes that value a game changer, ensuring their financial stability during their critical senior year and further promoting our commitment to scholarship and service throughout Delaware communities.”

Read an op-ed from Dr. Wilma Mishoe, Acting President of Delaware State University, on the importance of the Inspire Scholarship.

View more details about Legislative Advisory #26, and all legislation signed by the Governor on his Legislative Advisories page.

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