On an annual basis, the Secretary shall establish awarding priorities for making awards under the Educational Excellence Awards Program. The awarding priorities shall be based upon projections using the estimated funding level for the program, and shall take into consideration funds necessary to award Guaranteed Access Grants at 100 percent of need, with the remainder of the funds being awarded as Educational Assistance Grants. As its first awarding priority, and subject to the requirements of Education Article, §§18-304 and 18-307, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Office shall strive to award recipients at the percent of need and maximum award established for the prior award year, adjusting for tuition and fee increases. As its second awarding priority, and subject to the requirements of Education Article, §§18-304 and 18-307, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Office shall strive to maintain the overall number of awards in the EEA program.