Rule 37.78.812 - TANF: PARTICIPATION CRITERIA UNDER PARENTS AS SCHOLARS PROGRAM(1) The department will allow a maximum of 25 TANF recipients to continue postsecondary education activities under the Parents as Scholars Program (PAS).(2) Twenty-five slots will be available statewide. Slots will be awarded through an application process and regional lottery as described in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) policy manual, section 701-3(a). Once a slot has been awarded to a participant, the participant will be entitled to retain the slot as long as the participant continues to meet the PAS requirements outlined in (3).(3) A TANF recipient is eligible to participate in PAS if the recipient: (a) meets all basic eligibility requirements for TANF;(b) is a full-time post secondary education student enrolled in an approved education program at least 12 credit hours each semester or 30 credit hours per year, or is a full-time high school student, General Equivalency Diploma (GED) student, or vocational training student as defined by the institution in which the participant is enrolled;(c) is in an approved program whose course work will lead to a degree or certificate;(d) does not have a baccalaureate degree or a certification in a field for which a degree or certificate was previously awarded;(e) is enrolled full time in an approved educational program in a unit of the Montana university system as provided in 20-25-201, MCA, or any other accredited college in Montana, or enrolled online with an accredited college whose credits are transferable in their entirety to an approved educational program in Montana, or is enrolled in an accredited high school or training program approved by the department by rule;(f) maintains a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and provides verification of current GPA at the end of each semester as well as verification of registration for classes for the next semester with a minimum of 12 credits or is making satisfactory progress in accordance with the requirements of the institution the participant is attending;(g) has developed a comprehensive plan for the completion of the course of study and the attainment of a degree or certificate, regardless of the number of months remaining on the individual's TANF time clock;(h) has successfully completed 12 months of Short Term Training while on TANF and is in good standing with the educational program, unless enrolled as a full-time student in high school or a GED program; and(i) maintains monthly face-to-face contact with the WoRC case manager and school counselor throughout the PAS participation period to ensure ongoing case management, compliance with FIA/EP requirements and satisfactory progress in educational activities outlined in the comprehensive plan.Mont. Admin. r. 37.78.812
NEW, 2006 MAR p. 2415, Eff. 10/6/06; AMD, 2011 MAR p. 2827, Eff. 12/23/11.53-4-209, 53-4-212, MCA; IMP, 53-4-209, 53-4-211, 53-4-601, MCA;