Bill Overview
Title: CADETS Act
Description: CADETS Act This bill expands age requirements for the Student Incentive Payments Program, which provides financial support to cadets who attend one of six state maritime academies and commit to a post-graduation service obligation. Specifically, the bill expands the eligibility age to include any qualified student who will meet the age requirements for enlistment in the Navy Reserve at the time of their graduation. Current age requirements prohibit cadets older than 25 from participating in the program.
Sponsors: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Target Audience
Population: Cadets at state maritime academies eligible for Student Incentive Payments
Estimated Size: 3000
- The bill impacts cadets at state maritime academies.
- The number of students at state maritime academies globally is estimated to be several thousand.
- The program is designed for students who commit to a post-graduation service obligation, limiting the target population to those willing to make this commitment.
- Many maritime academies have students from various countries, thus impacting a diverse international population.
Reasoning
- The target population includes students attending state maritime academies who are either over the age of 25 at the time of graduation or close to it, thus previously excluded but now potentially eligible for the Student Incentive Payments Program.
- We include a mix of individuals directly impacted, those indirectly impacted, and some outside this demographic to ensure a comprehensive view.
- Impact levels vary from none to high depending on personal circumstances, such as age, commitment to serving post-graduation, and enthusiasm for joining the program.
- Students with no interest in maritime careers or the motivational structure of the program are less likely to be affected by the policy.
Simulated Interviews
Student (Galveston, TX)
Age: 26 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy finally gives older cadets like me a chance to receive financial aid.
- Service in the Navy Reserve was already my plan, so this aligns well with my goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Student (Fort Schuyler, NY)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad to see more students, especially those who are slightly older, getting the support they need.
- This policy will encourage more of us to stay and complete the program.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Student (Buzzards Bay, MA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The expanded age limit helps me immensely, as I was close to giving up on my maritime education goals.
- I hope this will encourage others like me to switch career paths.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy doesn't really impact me, but I see it as a positive change for those it does.
- I'm supportive of policies that help people but do not affect me directly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Student (Castine, ME)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm happy for older classmates who will benefit, even though I'm not personally affected.
- The policy broadens opportunities but doesn't change my own plans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Maritime Instructor (Vallejo, CA)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could increase enrollments in my classes as more students find financial support.
- It's important to adapt to the needs of mature students.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Accountant (Kings Point, NY)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- When I was a student, this would have been a huge help.
- The policy seems fair and will likely keep more people engaged longer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Civil Engineer (Vicksburg, MS)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy seems beneficial for those pursuing maritime careers, though it doesn't apply to me.
- I believe in supporting educational initiatives broadly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Student (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More opportunities for my peers can only be a good thing as long as they are committed.
- I hope this encourages more women in maritime fields.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Mariner (New York, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Expanding financial support is essential for maintaining a skilled workforce.
- I welcome any initiative that aids students, though I'm no longer eligible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $21000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $24000000)
Year 2: $21420000 (Low: $18360000, High: $24540000)
Year 3: $21848400 (Low: $18727200, High: $25030800)
Year 5: $22728208 (Low: $19470768, High: $26006544)
Year 10: $25057860 (Low: $21437640, High: $28678080)
Year 100: $48791410 (Low: $41743212, High: $55839608)
Key Considerations
- The bill primarily affects older cadets, permitting them to receive financial support if they meet enlistment criteria at graduation.
- The largest economic impacts stem from potentially increased enlistments and workforce readiness from the State Maritime Academies.
- Consideration should be given to the scalability of the program beyond the estimated 3,000 additional cadets in the target population.
- Long-term effects may include increased tax revenues from cadets transitioning into high-earning maritime or military roles.