Adult Learners Grant Program established -- Guidelines for administration of the program.
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(1) There is created the Adult Learners Grant Program to provide financial assistance to eligible students.
(2)
(a) The board shall, in accordance with the guidelines in this section, develop and administer the program.
(b) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the board shall make rules to establish:
(i) how an individual establishes financial need for purposes of receiving a grant under the program;
(ii) a requirement that an applicant complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid;
(iii) how to determine whether an individual is a Utah resident;
(iv) a process and requirements for an individual to apply for a grant under the program;
(v) a formula to allocate money appropriated for the program to eligible students, prioritizing:
(A) students from rural areas;
(B) minority students;
(C) low income students;
(D) first generation students; and
(E) students pursuing education that aligns with industry needs; and
(vi) a method of identifying industry needs for purposes of determining student eligibility to receive a grant under this section.
(c) The board may not use more than 3% of money appropriated for the program for administrative costs or overhead.
(3) To be eligible for a grant under this section, a student shall demonstrate, in accordance with rules the board makes under Subsection (2)(b):
(a) that the student has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; and
(b) that the student is financially needy.
(4) The board shall:
(a) annually establish the minimum and maximum amount for a grant;
(b)
(i) award grants to eligible students on an annual basis; and
(ii) distribute grant money on a quarter or semester basis; and
(c) except as provided in Subsection (2)(b)(v), award all money appropriated for the program without regard to an applicant's race, creed, color, religion, sex, or ancestry.
(5) The total sum of program grant money, financial aid from any source, and family or personal contribution may not exceed the cost of attendance for an eligible student at an eligible institution for a fiscal year.
(6) An eligible student that receives a grant under the program shall apply the grant money to the cost of attendance.
(7) The board shall annually report program outcomes to the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, including:
(a) number of grant recipients at each eligible institution;
(b) average amount of grant money provided per grant recipient;
(c) benefits in fulfillment of the purposes for the program described in this chapter; and
(d) recommendations for program modification, including recommended funding levels.