§ 18-1106. General consideration[Subtitle subject to repeal]

   (a) Program established. -- There is a Distinguished Scholar Program for Community College Transfer Students to be awarded by the Office to residents of the State in the manner provided in this section for use at 4-year institutions of higher education in the State.

(b) Selection. -- The Office shall annually select the community college students who have the greatest potential for academic success in higher education as determined by criteria established by the Office and offer a scholarship to each of these students to be used at any Maryland 4-year institution of higher education of the student's choice, if the student meets the following qualifications:

   (1) Has a community college transcript indicating an overall academic grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent grade point average;

   (2) Has completed at least 60 credit hours or an associate degree program at a community college in the State;

   (3) Qualifies as a Maryland resident;

   (4) Applies the scholarship within 1 year of completing the required credit hours or an associate degree program; and

   (5) Attends the 4-year institution of higher education as a full-time student.

(c) Scholarships awarded to community college students in the State. -- The Office shall award scholarships under this section to recipients who have attended community colleges from across the State.

(d) Award; renewal. --

   (1) The scholarship award shall be in the amount of $ 3,000 per academic year.

   (2) Each award shall be renewable for a maximum of 1 year subsequent to the original award if the recipient:

      (i) Continues to meet the qualifications specified in subsection (b) of this section; and

      (ii) Maintains a 3.0 grade point average on an academic year basis.

(e) Permissible uses of award. -- An award granted under this subtitle may be used for:

   (1) Tuition and mandatory fees;

   (2) Room and board; and

   (3) Books and supplies.

(f) Additional to other State scholarships. -- This scholarship award is in addition to any other State scholarships that are available to the student.

HISTORY: 2005, ch. 429.