Section 20-2052-L - Agency dutiesThe agency shall:
(1) Administer the program and, in its sole discretion, award grants to students who submit a completed application and satisfy the eligibility criteria in paragraph (4). The agency shall develop an application form that students may use to apply for a grant. The application of a student under 18 years of age or a student determined to be a dependent must include the signature of a parent or guardian.(2) Use money appropriated for the purpose of awarding grants.(3) Award a grant to a student in an amount of $5,000 per academic year or if the total amount of Federal and State grants available to the student exceeds the educational cost as determined by the agency, whichever is less. The agency, in its discretion, may provide for partial-year awards.(4) Establish eligibility criteria in order for a student to receive a grant. The criteria shall, at a minimum, include that a student must:(i) Be a resident of this Commonwealth as defined by the agency.(ii) Be enrolled in an approved course of study.(iii) Maintain satisfactory academic progress defined by the agency.(iv) Not have earned a bachelor's degree or the equivalent.(v) Enter into a written agreement with the agency to:(A) Satisfy all degree requirements and other requirements under this subarticle.(B) Commence employment in this Commonwealth within one year after completion of an approved course of study culminating in a bachelor's or associate's degree. The employment must be in an in-demand occupation, as determined by the agency, for a period of 12 months for each academic year the student received a grant, unless the agency determines that there are extenuating circumstances.(C) Reimburse the Commonwealth the aggregate amount of a scholarship received under this subarticle if the student fails to comply with clauses (A) and (B). For a student who partially satisfies the work requirement, the agency shall prorate the required reimbursement.(5) Monitor and verify a student's compliance with the agreement and enforce repayment of all grants for a student who does not comply with the provisions of this section, including use of all lawful collection procedures. Nothing under this paragraph shall be construed to require an institution of higher education to enforce any provision of this subarticle relating to repayment of funds for failure to comply with the provisions of this section.(6) Advertise, market and provide outreach to students in traditionally underserved communities and include information about the program on the agency's publicly accessible Internet website.Added by P.L. (number not assigned at time of publication) 2024 No. 89,§ 3, eff. 7/17/2024.