Latest news with #Act95
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Appleton public school students will receive direct admission, financial aid from Lawrence
Appleton public high school students who qualify can now receive direct admission to Lawrence University, according to an announcement by the Appleton Area School District and Lawrence University on May 21. The program is part of a new partnership between AASD and Lawrence that will take effect in the 2025-26 school year. AASD students will also qualify for financial assistance beyond what Lawrence typically offers. "We want to take care of our neighbors," said Lawrence assistant vice president Robert Nowak at a news conference. Students at Appleton Area School District public high schools who have at least a 3.4 GPA and required coursework are eligible. While Lawrence does not require standardized test scores for admission, the college typically asks for letters of recommendation and essays as part of that process. For AASD students, coach or guidance counselor letters of recommendation and personal essays would still be encouraged but optional; students would only need the application and high school transcripts. Teacher recommendations would still be required for AASD students applying for an instrument and major at the Conservatory. The process would "reward (AASD) students working extremely hard, who show they are committed to furthering their education," said AASD assistant superintendent Michael Hernandez at the news conference. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, AASD will identify students who qualify for Lawrence and coordinate campus visits to Lawrence; in return, Lawrence will offer those students a direct admission process and financial aid. The annual cost of tuition, fees and room and board at Lawrence is over $70,000 for the 2025-26 school year. However, AASD students would receive a minimum of $45,000 annually towards those costs in scholarships and grants. Only about three or four AASD students enroll at Lawrence annually, Nowak said, but he hoped the new program would increase that number. He said the program doesn't currently have a cap. AASD and Lawrence leaders said in a joint statement that the partnership will help broaden possibilities for local students. "We're proud to open even more doors for students to consider Lawrence, a nationally recognized college right here in their community, where they can continue their journey close to home," Nowak said in the statement. AASD Superintendent Greg Hartjes said the partnership "creates opportunities for our students while keeping them connected to the community." Hernandez told the Post-Crescent that since AASD reflects the broader City of Appleton, the partnership with Lawrence would encourage the city's young people to stay in the area. He also said Act 95, which offers direct admission to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to the top 5% of every Wisconsin high school class, "had something to do" with the AASD-Lawrence partnership coming to fruition. Lawrence vice president and chief of staff Christyn Abaray said in an interview that the agreement with AASD is part of a "really intentional" effort for Lawrence to connect with the broader community, pointing to Fox Commons and the new building to be shared with the Trout Museum of Art as other examples. "Appleton and Lawrence grew up together," she added. In recent months, several local secondary schools have sought to smooth the road to college for high school students. This spring, Fox Valley Technical College signed a credit transfer agreement with Ripon College and announced a new program for high schoolers to earn credits for FVTC's University Transfer two-year degree. Rebecca Loroff is a K-12 education reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. She welcomes story tips and feedback. Contact her at rloroff@ This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Appleton schools, Lawrence announce direct admission partnership
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arkansas Department of Corrections says Franklin County prison will cost $825 million
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Arkansas Department of Corrections and Vanir Construction Management announced on March 3 that the 3,000-bed prison planned for Franklin County will cost $825 million. According to a press release, to authorize spending on the prison, Budget Chairman Senator Jonathan Dismang (R-Little Rock) and Rep. Lane Jean (R-Magnolia) filed companion appropriation bills for $750 million. Another $75 million was already approved by the Arkansas General Assembly as part of Act 95. The state has already directed $405 million in funding toward the $825 million cost estimate. 'This estimate lets us move forward quickly on the long-overdue prison project and build a safer, stronger Arkansas. I look forward to working with our partners in the legislature to get this appropriation passed,' said Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The release says once the funds are appropriated, the state can work with the Owner's Representative to move forward with drawing up in-depth plans for the prison and breaking ground as soon as possible. Sanders announced on Oct. 31 that the state had bought property to be used for the prison for $2.95 million. The plan to build a new prison has caused controversy in Franklin County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arkansas Dept. of Corrections outlines new budget toward Franklin County prison plan
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Corrections announced on Monday that the estimated maximum cost of the new 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County is $825 million. That estimate was reached after consulting with Vanir Construction Management. In authorizing that spending, Budget Chairman Sen. Johnathan Dismang (R-Searcy) and Rep. Lane Jean (R-Magnolia) filed companion appropriation bills for $750 million, and another $75 million that was already approved as part of Act 95 in the General Assembly. Legislation for $750 million new prison funding filed in Arkansas legislature The State has already directed $405 million toward the total estimate of $825 million. 'This estimate lets us move forward quickly on the long-overdue prison project and build a safer, stronger Arkansas,' Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. 'I look forward to working with our partners in the legislature to get this appropriation passed.' Arkansas Department of Corrections officials voiced their excitement to see the goalpost ahead. 'This estimate allows us to move quickly toward breaking ground on the Franklin County prison and building the long-overdue, 3,000-bed facility we know our state needs,' Arkansas Department of Corrections Secretary Lindsay Wallace said.'We look forward to working with the Governor and legislature to secure the resources we need to build the prison and create a safer, stronger Arkansas,' 'Everyone knows we need a new prison to address our state's prison bed shortage, and I look forward to working with legislators to secure the funding necessary to build this facility quickly,' Chairman of the Arkansas Board of Corrections Benny Magness said. Franklin County prison plans hit bump after appropriations request fails in committee Once those funds are appropriated, the State can work with the Owner's Representative to move forward with drawing up in-depth plans for the prison and breaking ground as soon as possible. Arkansas currently has a shortage of more than 3,000 prison beds, requiring the state to spend almost $30 million each year to house inmates in county jails. Governor Sanders announced the purchase of an 815-acre plot in Franklin County to build the new prison in October of last year, at a total cost of $2,950,000. Officials say the parcel offers the infrastructure needed for a new prison, including cell reception, water lines, electricity, and a nearby fire department, and is also close to more than 100,000 working-age adults who could staff the new facility. Group outlines opposition to Franklin County prison plans for Arkansas The property is large enough to offer privacy to both neighbors and inmates and is expected to employ almost 800 people at an average salary of over $46,600, based on estimates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
