02/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/16/2024 14:09
Harrisburg - February 15, 2024 - State Senator Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today was unanimously re-elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
Created in 1963 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, PHEAA is one of the nation's leading student aid organizations. It serves millions of students and thousands of schools through its loan guaranty, loan servicing, financial aid processing, outreach, and other student aid programs.
"I am honored to be unanimously re-elected as chair by my fellow board members," Fontana said. "The board is committed to make higher education more affordable to Pennsylvania students and their families, and I look forward to another historic year for PHEAA."
Since Fontana was elected Chairman, PHEAA held steady the maximum PA State Grant award at its all-time high of $5,750 per student and maintained the interest rates for the PA Forward Student Loan, all while implementing a number of new initiatives:
The Pittsburgh-area lawmaker has represented the 42nd Senatorial District in Allegheny County since 2005 and is chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus. He also serves on the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development, Finance, Local Government, Rules and Executive Nominations, and Urban Affairs and Housing committees.
First appointed to the PHEAA Board in 2009, Sen. Fontana had previously served as its vice chairman from 2011 to 2022. In the Pennsylvania Senate, Fontana has worked to increase state support for PHEAA and higher education over the years.
More information on PHEAA is available on its website.