Section 457-603-4 - Loans to Graduating High School SeniorsA. Initial Loan Eligibility (1) The student must be graduating from high school or the equivalent.(2) The student must be in the upper half of the graduating class or the equivalent.(3) The student must be a resident of the state.(4) The student must be intending to pursue a postsecondary education at an institution of higher education on a full-time basis as determined by standards of the institution.(5) The student must sign an agreement detailing conditions to be met for receipt of a loan.(6) The student must be recognized as a Blaine House Scholar.(7) Preference shall be given to students who intend to enroll in a program which has been determined to be an underserved subject area.(8) The student must sign a statement certifying compliance with the United States Military Selective Service Registration Act or certifying the basis for exemption from such compliance.B. Renewal Loan Eligibility (1) The student must apply annually for a loan by the deadline date.(2) The student must have received an initial loan.(3) The student must maintain a 2.5 grade point average based on a 4.0 grade point system. Should the GPA fall below 2.5, the student has one academic year to bring the GPA up to 2.5. If this requirement is not met the student will be ineligible for further program participation.(4) The student must be pursuing a postsecondary education at an institution of higher education on a full-time basis as determined by standards of the institution.(5) A student granted an approved leave of absence by the postsecondary institution may be eligible to renew the loan at the termination of the leave of absence provided that all other requirements of this section are met.(6) The student must sign an agreement which details conditions to be met for receipt of a loan.(7) The student must maintain residence in the State of Maine in order to be eligible for a renewal loan.C. Deferral. Acceptance of an initial award or renewal of a previous award may be deferred for one academic year only. If a designated Blaine House Scholar fails to be duly enrolled in an institution of higher education by the beginning of the second academic year which follows the student's designation as a Blaine House Scholar or receipt of a renewal award the student shall be ineligible for further program participation. Blaine House Scholars shall be so recognized by the Governor after consultation with the chief executive officer who shall have caused a review and evaluation to be made of all submitted applications which are received annually from eligible individuals who show evidence of academic achievement.
94- 457 C.M.R. ch. 603, § 4