Scholarships and Financial Aid - As introduced, enacts the "Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act"; requires the Tennessee student assistance corporation to establish by rules a program that provides scholarships for students in grade 12 and at public institutions of higher education in this state who demonstrate artistic excellence in spoken word poetry through a competitive, performance-based selection process to pursue higher education to further develop their literary and performance skills. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 4 and Title 49, Chapter 7.

SB 1212, the "Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act," creates a state-funded scholarship program for Tennessee students in 12th grade and those enrolled at public colleges or universities who demonstrate artistic excellence in spoken word poetry. The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) must establish this program through a competitive, performance-based selection process to award scholarships. Funding will come from state appropriations, grants, or private donations, with scholarships covering higher education costs to help students further develop their literary and performance skills. The program is scheduled to begin in the 2025-2026 school year.