Section 53B-8-115 - Technical education scholarships(1) As used in this section: (a) "Eligible institution" means: (i) a degree-granting institution that provides technical education described in Section 53B-2a-201; or(ii) a technical college.(b) "High demand program" means a technical education program that: (i) is offered by an eligible institution;(ii) leads to a certificate; and(iii) is designated by the board in accordance with Subsection (6).(c) "Scholarship" means a technical education scholarship described in this section.(2) Subject to future budget constraints, the Legislature shall annually appropriate money to the board to be distributed to eligible institutions to award technical education scholarships.(3) In accordance with the rules described in Subsection (5), an eligible institution may award a scholarship to an individual who: (a) is enrolled in, or intends to enroll in, a high demand program; and(b) demonstrates, in accordance with rules described in Subsection (5)(b), the completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.(4)(a) An eligible institution may award a scholarship for an amount of money up to the total cost of tuition, fees, and required textbooks for the high demand program in which the scholarship recipient is enrolled or intends to enroll.(b) An eligible institution may award a scholarship to a scholarship recipient for up to three academic years.(c) An eligible institution may cancel a scholarship if the scholarship recipient does not: (i) maintain enrollment in the eligible institution on at least a half time basis, as determined by the eligible institution; or(ii) make satisfactory progress toward the completion of a certificate.(5) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the board shall make rules: (a) that establish:(i) how state funding available for scholarships is divided among eligible institutions;(ii) requirements related to an eligible institution's administration of a scholarship;(iii) requirements related to eligibility for a scholarship, including requiring eligible institutions to prioritize scholarships for underserved populations;(iv) a process for an individual to apply to an eligible institution to receive a scholarship; and(v) how to determine satisfactory progress described in Subsection (4)(c)(ii); and(b) regarding the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid described in Subsection (3)(b), including: (i) provisions for students or parents to opt out of the requirement due to: (A) financial ineligibility for any potential grant or other financial aid;(B) personal privacy concerns; or(C) other reasons the board specifies; and(ii) direction for applicants to financial aid advisors.(6) Every other year, after consulting with the Department of Workforce Services, the board shall designate, as a high demand program, a technical education program that prepares an individual to work in a job that has, in Utah: (a) high employer demand and high median hourly wages; or(b) significant industry importance.Amended by Chapter 402, 2021 General Session ,§ 3, eff. 5/5/2021.Amended by Chapter 187, 2021 General Session ,§ 33, eff. 5/5/2021, coordination clause.Amended by Chapter 187, 2021 General Session ,§ 18, eff. 5/5/2021.Amended by Chapter 196, 2020 General Session ,§ 2, eff. 5/12/2020.Added by Chapter 357, 2019 General Session ,§ 14, eff. 7/1/2019.Added by Chapter 273, 2019 General Session ,§ 1, eff. 5/14/2019.