Thousands of eighth-graders will have another reason to look forward to college.

The Utah House of Representatives voted to accept a bill that would promise a $1,000 scholarship to students who accomplish a more rigorous course of study in high school — courses that would also better prepare them for college.

"It will help give students a reason to continue to achieve excellence in academics as well as put an eye to the future of their financial goals in paying for college," said Rep. Mark Walker, R-Sandy, who is sponsoring SB180 in the House.

SB180 includes a provision that eighth-graders would be required to take four full years of English, four years of Math higher than Algebra, three-and-a-half years of social studies, three years of lab science, and two years of foreign language. Upon completion, with a minimum of a C-grade or better in any core class, the student would be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to be used at any Utah System of Higher Education institution.

Several states have adopted similar plans, which have not only boosted their college and university attendance, but also prepared students better for the workforce.

USHE originally asked for a minimum of $7.5 million to get the program started in Utah, anticipating that 7,000 students would participate in the first year. Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, wanted to ask for more than was needed, and the bill started out with a $57.5 million fiscal note.

A substitute bill knocked out a clause for an additional incentive for first-generation college students — for funding considerations — leaving the fiscal note at $500,000 one-time and $400,000 ongoing money.

"A modest investment by the state could really pay great dividends in the future," Interim Commissioner Dave Buhler told the Deseret Morning News Editorial Board Monday. "It will help students take advantage of their high school years, and get them thinking about college."

The bill passed the Legislature and now goes to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. for his signature. If he signs it, students can begin beefing up their senior year schedules to earn a little extra money.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com