In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Eligible institution” means a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State that: Possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission; or Is approved under operation of law. “Program” means the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program.

There is a scholarship program known as the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program in the State. The purpose of the Program is to support students who are pursuing an education in programs that are directly relevant to cybersecurity.

The Office shall administer the Program. An individual may apply to the Office for a scholarship under this subtitle if the individual: Is eligible for in–State tuition; Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, is a student who: Is enrolled full–time at an eligible institution in an approved degree or certificate program that is directly relevant to cybersecurity; and Is within 3 years of graduation from the individual’s degree or certificate program; Has maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; and Has not received a federal CyberCorps Scholarship for Service; or Has applied for but has not received a federal CyberCorps Scholarship for Service. A scholarship award under this subtitle may be used at any eligible institution to pay for education expenses as defined by the Office, including: Tuition and mandatory fees; and Room and board. A scholarship recipient shall maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, each recipient of a scholarship under this subtitle may hold the award for 3 years of full–time study. Beginning with the 2023–2024 Program application period, a part–time student may apply to the Office for a scholarship under this subtitle in accordance with regulations adopted by the Office. Each recipient of a scholarship under this subtitle may hold the award for 6 years if the recipient: Is a part–time student; Continues to be eligible for in–State tuition under this article; and Continues to be a student at the institution and takes at least 6 semester hours of courses each semester leading to a degree or certificate that is directly relevant to cybersecurity. The Office shall determine an award amount that is appropriately prorated for the part–time status of the student. On or before January 1, 2023, the Office shall adopt regulations to administer the Program for part–time students. The Department shall provide information on the Program to high school students who participate in career and technology education programs related to cybersecurity.

Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, for 1 year for each year that the recipient receives a scholarship under this subtitle, a scholarship recipient shall: Work in the State in the cybersecurity field for a: Local education agency; Public high school; or Community college; or Unit of: State government; County government; or City or municipal government; or Teach in the State in an education program that is directly relevant to cybersecurity in: A public high school; or A community college. Subject to subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, the Office shall adopt guidelines on or before January 1, 2023, establishing a work obligation, appropriately prorated, for a scholarship recipient who receives a scholarship as a part–time student. The work obligation for a part–time student shall equal the amount of time needed for an equivalent full–time student to complete the certification. The work obligation for a part–time student may not exceed 3 years. In accordance with § 18–112 of this title, a scholarship recipient shall repay the Commission the funds received under this subtitle if the recipient does not: Earn credit as a full–time student as defined in regulations adopted by the Office for the Program or as a part–time student as required in § 18–3503(f) of this subtitle; Complete an approved degree or certificate program that is directly relevant to cybersecurity at an eligible institution; and Perform the work obligation required under subsection (a) of this section. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a recipient shall begin repayment at any time during the period that the recipient is no longer performing the work obligation required under subsection (a) of this section. Except as otherwise provided in this section, repayment shall be made to the State within 6 years after the repayment period begins and shall follow a repayment schedule established by the Office. The Office may waive or defer repayment in the event of disability or extended sickness that prevents the recipient from fulfilling the work obligation required under subsection (a) of this section.

Funds for the Program shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission by the Governor.

The Office shall adopt regulations to implement this subtitle. The regulations adopted under subsection (a) of this section shall: Identify the programs that meet the requirements of § 18–3503(b)(2) of this subtitle; and Define the number of credits a scholarship recipient must earn as a student.