Philly Leader

Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA) hopes a new scholarship program named after a pioneering Pennsylvania journalist would make a college education more affordable.

Wolf took to Twitter on Feb. 16 to advocate for what’s called the Nellie Bly Scholarship Program.

“The average debt for a Pennsylvania college student is $39,000,” said the governor in a tweet. “This is a crisis. I'm once again proposing the Nellie Bly Scholarship Program. Let's give more Pennsylvanians the opportunity to get a degree without the overwhelming debt.”

An accompanying graphic in Wolf’s tweet explains that the program will give financial assistance to Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and community college students.

“By repurposing $200 million from federal funds and the Horse Racing Development Fund, the program will make college more affordable for those pursuing programs in high-need sectors,” the graphic says.

These sectors are education, healthcare and public service.

Born Elizabeth Jane Cochran in what’s now Burrell Township in Armstrong County in 1864, Bly was best-known for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days similar to that of fictional character Phileas Fogg in the Jules Verne novel "Around the World in 80 Days."

Bly’s groundbreaking exposé on deplorable conditions at a mental institution paved the way for a new form of investigative journalism.

Bly passed away in New York City a century ago and was enshrined in the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1998.

According to the governor’s office, the Nellie Bly Scholarship Program will pay the complete cost of tuition up to six years for full-time undergraduate students, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported.

The publication added that the scholarship would apply after a student's Pell Grants and other financial instruments have been used.

The scholarship; however, has critics in the racing industry.

According to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, opponents asserted the money should help the state’s racetracks recover from poor attendance.