# Education (GED)

## Title 11. Maryland Higher Education Commission

### Subtitle 11. Maryland Higher Education Outreach and College Access Program

#### Section 11-1101

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Nonprofit organization" means an organization that is exempt or eligible for exemption from taxation under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(c) "Program" means the Maryland Higher Education Outreach and College Access Program.

#### Section 11-1102

There is a Maryland Higher Education Outreach and College Access Program.

#### Section 11-1103

The purposes of the Program are to:

(1) Encourage low-income Maryland high school students to attend and complete college;

(2) Connect potential college and university students with nonprofit organizations that have a history of successful higher education outcomes for targeted youth;

(3) Create an equal matching fund for nonprofit organizations to access in order to increase college outreach services to low-income students;

(4) Provide funding for nonprofit organizations that are already established in communities to provide targeted outreach to encourage low-income students to enroll in college; and

(5) Increase the number of low-income students attending and succeeding in college.

#### Section 11-1104

(a) The Commission shall administer the Program.

(b) To carry out the purposes of the Program, the Commission shall:

  (1) Establish a grant program to be published on the Commission's website through which nonprofit organizations may learn about eligibility, application, and compliance requirements and apply for funding as provided under this subtitle;

  (2) Develop application requirements and review and approve applications;

  (3) Develop a process for verifying that matching funds are available; and

  (4) Allocate funding to approved nonprofit organizations on a competitive basis.

#### Section 11-1105

(a) To be eligible for participation in the Program, a nonprofit organization shall:

  (1) Be located in the State;

  (2) Have a contract or memorandum of understanding with a local school system or an institution of higher education or must establish one if one does not exist; and

  (3) Demonstrate an equal match for funds requested.

(b) A nonprofit organization that receives funding through the Program shall:

  (1) Submit data on outreach programs;

  (2) Track student progress through the higher education system; and

  (3) Submit annual reports to the Commission on or before October 1 following the fiscal year in which funds were received.

#### Section 11-1106

(a) The Commission shall prepare a report on the Program that includes:

  (1) A summary of the reports received from the participating nonprofit organizations regarding the Program;

  (2) The amount of funds distributed each fiscal year;

  (3) Information regarding the effectiveness of the Program, including whether students matriculate and remain continuously enrolled in higher education as a result of the Program; and

  (4) If an eligible wait list exists, the number of nonprofit organizations on the wait list.

(b) On or before December 1 each year, the Commission shall submit a copy of the report required under subsection (a) of this section to the General Assembly, in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of the State Government Article.

#### Section 11-1107

(a) For fiscal year 2023, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $200,000 for the Program.

(b) For fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $500,000 for the Program.

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Md. Code Ann., Educ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)