Grow PA Scholarship: Apply Now for Up to $5,000 for 2026-27

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania students seeking financial assistance for higher education now have another avenue to explore. Senator Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) is encouraging eligible residents to apply for the Grow PA Scholarship Grant program for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are being accepted through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) at pheaa.org/growpa.

Addressing Pennsylvania’s Workforce Needs

The Grow PA program, authored by Senator Martin and enacted into law last year, aims to address a critical issue facing the Commonwealth: a declining workforce in key sectors. Martin stated the program is designed to “finally reverse the commonwealth’s decades of economic and demographic decline” by incentivizing students to pursue in-demand careers and remain in Pennsylvania after graduation.

Grant Details and Eligibility

The program offers grants of up to $5,000 annually to in-state students. These grants are intended for those pursuing degrees or certifications in occupations identified as having high demand within the state. The program is administered by PHEAA.

Did You Know? Nearly 5,700 students from 131 participating schools received grants during the program’s first year.

To qualify, applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and commit to living and working in Pennsylvania for at least 12 months for each year they receive the grant. This commitment is tied to employment in the field of study for which the grant was awarded.

Expanding Program Access

Demand for the Grow PA program has prompted an increase in funding. The 2026-27 state budget includes an additional $7.5 million for the program. Qualifying fields of study include agriculture, computer science, business, education, STEM, engineering, nursing, allied health, and criminal justice. A complete list of approved programs is available here.

Expert Insight: The Grow PA program represents a strategic attempt to align higher education with the specific economic needs of Pennsylvania, potentially mitigating the “brain drain” of talented graduates seeking opportunities elsewhere. The requirement to work in the state post-graduation is a key component of this strategy.

Applicants who received a grant in the previous year are required to reapply for the upcoming academic year. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Failure to fulfill the work and residency requirements will result in the grant being converted into a loan, requiring full repayment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Grow PA program created?

The Grow PA Scholarship Grant program was created by the General Assembly in 2024.

What happens if a grant recipient doesn’t fulfill the work requirement?

Failure to meet the work and residence requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan that must be repaid.

Where can I find a complete list of qualifying courses of study?

The full list of courses of study that qualify for the grant is available at pheaa.org/documents/funding-opportunities/grow-pa/grow-pa-cip-codes.pdf.

As the program continues, it could potentially expand the number of students receiving assistance and further shape the future workforce of Pennsylvania. The success of Grow PA may depend on continued state funding and the ability to attract and retain graduates in the targeted fields.