HARRISBURG (AP) - By CHARLOTTE KEITH/Spotlight PA Spotlight PA

Financial aid for thousands of Pennsylvania college students is on hold as a result of the state budget impasse, creating more delays for a vital program that has faced serious challenges over the past year.

The PA State Grant Program is the commonwealth’s largest need-based financial aid provider, giving more than 100,000 students an average of $2,000 each semester.

Starting in mid-2024, federal data glitches combined with the chaotic rollout of a new state software system to leave many students waiting months longer than usual for the grant funds, Spotlight PA reported .

As the standoff over the state budget stretches into its third month, students face another round of delays.

“Here we are again dealing with the sam

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