§ 18-3604

(a) Beginning in the 2019–2020 academic year, the annual scholarship award shall be not more than $5,000 per recipient, or actual tuition, whichever is less.

(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, any State or federal student financial aid, other than a student loan, received by the recipient shall be credited to the recipient’s tuition before the calculation of any award amount provided under this subtitle.

(2) (i) 1. Initial scholarship awards shall be provided to recipients based on greatest demonstrated financial need.

2. Priority for scholarship awards in subsequent years shall be given to:

A. Prior year recipients who remain eligible for the program;

B. All eligible students who are enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester, or enrolled in a sequence of credit or noncredit courses that lead to licensure or certification; and

C. If any funds remain to be allocated, students enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester.

3. Notwithstanding § 18–3603(b) of this subtitle, an eligible recipient who does not receive an award under this subparagraph due to insufficient funding of the program remains eligible for the program the following academic year.

(ii) Eligible applicants who do not receive an award under this subtitle shall be notified and placed on a waiting list.

(3) If a recipient is eligible for a local promise scholarship, an award provided under this subtitle shall be credited to the recipient’s tuition before the award of the local promise scholarship.

(c) (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, each recipient may hold the award until the earlier of:

(i) 3 years after first enrolling:

1. As a candidate for a noncredit vocational certificate;

2. In a sequence of credit or noncredit courses leading to licensure or certification;

3. In credit or noncredit courses that are required for participation in a registered apprenticeship program;

4. As a candidate for a certificate; or

5. As a full–time candidate for an associate’s degree at a community college in the State;

(ii) 6 years after first enrolling as a part–time candidate for an associate’s degree at a community college in the State; or

(iii) The date that the individual is awarded an associate’s degree.

(2) A community college may extend the duration of an award for an allowable interruption of study if the recipient provides to the community college satisfactory evidence of extenuating circumstances that prevent the recipient from continuous enrollment.

(3) Each recipient may hold the award in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection only if the recipient:

(i) Continues to be eligible for in–State tuition;

(ii) 1. Continues to enroll in and complete at least 6 credits per semester, or a sequence of credit or noncredit courses that leads to licensure or certification, or their equivalent, as determined by the community college; or

2. Continues to participate in a registered apprenticeship program;

(iii) Maintains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent for the requisite credit–bearing coursework for the remainder of the award or, failing to do so, provides to the community college satisfactory evidence of extenuating circumstances;

(iv) Makes satisfactory progress toward a vocational certificate, a certificate, or an associate’s degree;

(v) Continues to meet the income limitations under § 18–3603(b)(4) of this subtitle; and

(vi) Continues to timely submit an application under § 18–3603(b)(6) of this subtitle.