39.45 Independent student grants.
(1) In this section:
(a) “Institution of higher education" means a public or private nonprofit educational institution meeting the requirements of s. 39.30 or 39.435 for the purpose of awarding grants under those sections.
(b) “Resident student" has the meaning specified in s. 39.30 (1) (e).
(2) There is established, to be determined by the board, a grant program for resident students who are current recipients of aid to families with dependent children under s. 49.19.
(3) Grants under this section shall be awarded on the basis of financial need, as determined by the board, to resident students enrolled for at least 6 academic credits in the 2nd or 3rd year in programs leading to an associate degree or the 3rd, 4th or 5th year in programs leading to a bachelor's degree. Except as provided in sub. (5), no grant may exceed $4,000 per academic year. Students may apply for grants, upon a form prepared and furnished by the board, on or after February 1 of any year for the fall semester or session of the upcoming academic year. No student is eligible to receive a grant under this section for more than 3 academic years.
(4) The board shall give preference, as much as practicable, in awarding grants under this section to students enrolled in courses likely to increase the immediate employment opportunities of such students. The board shall publish a list of such courses and shall include courses that have an occupational or vocational objective in areas with existing labor needs.
(5) The board may award supplemental grants of between $500 and $1,000 per child per semester or session to students for the cost of child care for preschool children of the students. The student shall demonstrate, as determined by the board, financial need for the supplemental grant. In awarding grants under this subsection, the board may not exceed 20 percent of the appropriation for a given fiscal year for the grant program.
(6) From the appropriation under s. 20.235 (1) (fc), the board shall use available funds to make grant awards under this section, but no award may be made before March 1 for the fall semester or session of the upcoming academic year.
(7) The board shall promulgate rules to administer this section, including criteria and procedures for repayment of grants awarded under this section, including interest, by certain grant recipients who no longer reside in this state or do not successfully complete requirements for a degree. The board shall deposit in the general fund as general purpose revenue-earned all repayments of grants awarded under this section and the interest on the grants.
(8) No student is eligible for an original grant under this section after the 1996-97 academic year.
History: 1989 a. 336; 1995 a. 27; 1997 a. 27.