In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Eligible student” means a student who is a Maryland resident, or has graduated from a Maryland high school, and: Is enrolled in a Workforce Development Sequence at a public community college in the State; or Is enrolled directly in a registered apprenticeship program that partners with a public community college in the State. “Workforce Development Sequence” means: A program offered by a community college that is approved by the Commission and is composed of courses that are related to: Job preparation or an apprenticeship; Licensure or certification; or Job skill enhancement; or A registered apprenticeship program approved by the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning in the Maryland Department of Labor. “Workforce Development Sequence” does not include a sequence of courses leading to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. “Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship” means an award made to an eligible student under this subtitle.

There is a Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship administered by the Office.

An individual may apply to the Office for a scholarship under this section if the individual is an eligible student. An eligible student who receives a Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship under this subtitle may use the award for tuition, mandatory fees, other associated costs of attendance, or costs to participate in a registered apprenticeship program. The annual amount of a scholarship awarded to an eligible student may not exceed $2,000. The Governor shall provide in the annual budget an appropriation of at least $1,000,000 to the Commission for the Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship.

On or before December 1 each year, the Commission shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on: The number of students who received a Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship; The amount of the award made to each recipient; The community college that the recipient attended; The workforce development sequence in which the recipient enrolled; and The registered apprenticeship program in which the recipient participated.