Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, legislators, students and DSU officials celebrate the enactment of two pieces of legislation -- an expansion of the INSPIRE Scholarship that would permit such funds to go toward master's degree pursuits at DSU, and a measure to require financial literacy to be taught in the secondary schools of the First State. — *In this photo:* Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, legislators, students and DSU officials celebrate the enactment of two pieces of legislation – an expansion of the INSPIRE Scholarship that would permit such funds to go toward master’s degree pursuits at DSU, and a measure to require financial literacy to be taught in the secondary schools of the First State.

On Campus

Gov. Meyer signs INSPIRE scholarship expansion bills at DSU

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Delaware State University hosted Gov. Matt Meyer and an event in which he signed two bills into law that will benefit both the students of the DSU Early College School and DSU – an expansion of the INSPIRE Scholarship Program and a financial literacy course mandate for high schools in the First State.

The large gathering of legislators, college and high school students, and university officials in the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center on Oct. 9 witnessed the enactment of Senate Bill 90, which expands the state-funded INSPIRE Scholarship Program. The newly enacted legislation allows Inspire Scholarship recipients who complete their undergraduate degree in less than four years, to use the remaining INSPIRE funds to go toward master’s degree studies costs if they enroll in a graduate degree program at DSU..

The INSPIRE Scholarship currently pays full tuition for four years for eligible Delaware high school graduates who attend DSU. For students in the DSU Early College High School and those in other Delaware secondary schools, they have opportunity to earn college credits while completing high school requirements, and thereby shortening the time spent in undergraduate studies. DSU President Tony Allen uses two Early College School students to explain the full INSPIRE impact of Senate Bill 90,

DSU President Tony Allen detailed the full potential impact of the legislation.

“(Early College High School students) can earn up to 60 college credit hours before they are admitted to any college or university. That will make them, at age 18, a second semester sophomore or a first semester junior,” Dr. Allen said. “That means that they can complete their undergraduate degree in two years. And then because of Senate Bill 90, they can go get their master’s degree at Delaware State University for free.”

Gov. Meyer also signed legislation that now requires Delaware high schools to provide their students with a ½-credit hour worth on financial literacy.

“These courses are going to teach not only about saving money, but how your money can grow if you save it,” Gov. Meyer said. “This bill is also going increase equity and inclusion, making sure all Delawareans have access to cool financial tools that make people wealthy. These days, financial literacy is not optional, it is essential.”

Sen. Charles Paradee and Rep. Williams Bush, co-sponsors of Senate Bill 90 and Rep.. Jeff Hilovsky and Sen. Kyra Hoffner, co-sponsors of House Bill 203, spoke during the event on the impacts of their respective legislation. DSU's Kenisha Ringgold, former Philly Eagles star Brian Westbrook, DSU President Tony Allen and a student pose for a pic.

Also in attendance was the partnership team of the NFL and Visa, who are jointly conducting a financial literacy campaign. Joining them for the event was Brian Westbrook, a former nine-year Philadelphia Eagle and All-Pro running back.

“Together these bills will help Delaware students achieve stability and independence,” Gov. Meyer said. “Whether it is from smart money management or attaining an advanced degree, we are setting Delawareans up to lead successful lives and contribute to our community in ways better than ever before.”