Senate Clears Oroho Bill Giving Some Students the Chance to Take Their High School Careers into Extra Innings

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho and approved today by the Senate would allow graduating high school students from the Class of 2021 and 2022 to opt for an extra year of schooling immediately following graduation.

Under the “Bridge Year Pilot Program” established by the bill (S-2383), students opting into the program would be eligible to strengthen their academic credentials and participate in extracurricular activities and spring scholastic sports.

“Every high school student in the state lost opportunity due to the COVID virus,” said Oroho (R-26). “This program can give them a chance to improve their grades and standardized test records before they have to make their next big decision about pursuing a college degree, a career in skilled trades, military service or joining the workforce. The virus has been a barrier to future for many students. This program can be a launch pad to success after high school.”

Under the bill, bridge year students will remain enrolled in the high school and attend fall and spring classes, taking nine to 12 credits per semester from an institute of higher education or a county college.

Students participating in the program are eligible to walk with their high school classmates at graduation, but remain in school and receive their diplomas after completion of the bridge year.

County college credits will be available for bridge students at $145 per credits, plus a maximum of $45 laboratory fee per course, and students must maintain a 2.0 grade average to remain in the program.