Title 18. Student Financial Assistance — Subtitle 23. Maryland Hope Scholarships

In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

“Eligible institution” means a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in this State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

“Regular undergraduate program” means an academic program of study in an institution of higher education at or below the baccalaureate level leading to either an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree.

“Service obligation” means full-time employment within the State.

There is a program of Maryland HOPE Scholarships in this State that are awarded under this subtitle.

The Office shall publicize the availability of Maryland HOPE Scholarships.

Be accepted for admission in a regular undergraduate program at an eligible institution in the State;

Be a resident of the State;

Earn an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent after completion of the first semester of the senior year;

Begin attending an eligible institution within 2 years of completing high school or, failing to do so, provide evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances;

Enroll as a full-time student at an eligible institution;

Have an annual total family income of $95,000 or below;

Accept any other conditions attached to the award; and

Satisfy any additional criteria the Maryland Higher Education Commission may establish.

The annual scholarship award shall be in the amount of $1,000 for a student enrolled at a 2-year eligible institution or $3,000 for a student enrolled in a 4-year eligible institution.

A student who transfers from a 2-year eligible institution to a 4-year eligible institution may receive an annual scholarship award in the amount of $3,000 once the student is enrolled at the 4-year eligible institution.

Each recipient of a Maryland HOPE Scholarship may hold the award for 5 years if the recipient:

Each recipient of a Maryland HOPE Scholarship who is enrolled in an associate degree program as permitted in this subtitle may hold the award for 3 years if the same conditions of subsection (a) of this section are met.

Each recipient of a Maryland HOPE Scholarship who transfers from a 2-year eligible institution to a 4-year eligible institution may hold the award for a total of 5 years, including the years at both the 2-year eligible institution and the 4-year eligible institution, if the same conditions of subsection (a) of this section are met.

A recipient of an award made under this section shall receive the award for each year indicated in which the recipient is eligible if the recipient signs an agreement at the time of the initial award to:

The service obligation begins after graduation and cannot be fulfilled prior to graduation from an eligible institution.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall draft a plan to administer a Maryland HOPE Scholarship Program.

The Commission’s plan shall include:

The priority list shall be created in consultation with the appropriate advisory boards of the Commission, the Department of Commerce, and representatives of higher education and private industry.