A student shall be eligible to participate in a program if the student is: A disadvantaged child as defined in § 8–101 of this title; An at–risk youth; A resident of the State; and Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, enrolled in grade 5 or grade 6. Notwithstanding subsection (a)(4) of this section, a student enrolled in grade 7 or higher shall be eligible to participate in a program if: The student is otherwise eligible under subsection (a) of this section; and An operator files an appropriate plan under § 8–704.1 of this subtitle.