In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Nonprofit organization” means an organization that is exempt or eligible for exemption from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. “Program” means the Maryland Higher Education Outreach and College Access Program.

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

The purposes of the Program are to: Encourage low–income Maryland high school students to attend and complete college; Connect potential college and university students with nonprofit organizations that have a history of successful higher education outcomes for targeted youth; Create an equal matching fund for nonprofit organizations to access in order to increase college outreach services to low–income students; 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 Increase the number of low–income students attending and succeeding in college.

The Commission shall administer the Program. To carry out the purposes of the Program, the Commission shall: 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; Develop application requirements and review and approve applications; Develop a process for verifying that matching funds are available; and Allocate funding to approved nonprofit organizations on a competitive basis.

To be eligible for participation in the Program, a nonprofit organization shall: Be located in the State; 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 Demonstrate an equal match for funds requested. A nonprofit organization that receives funding through the Program shall: Submit data on outreach programs; Track student progress through the higher education system; and Submit annual reports to the Commission on or before October 1 following the fiscal year in which funds were received.

The Commission shall prepare a report on the Program that includes: A summary of the reports received from the participating nonprofit organizations regarding the Program; The amount of funds distributed each fiscal year; 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 If an eligible wait list exists, the number of nonprofit organizations on the wait list. 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 § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.

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