2013 Maryland Code
EDUCATION
§ 18-1102 - Qualifications of students and selection of recipients; amount of award; renewal; additional awards [Subtitle subject to repeal]

§18-1102. IN EFFECT

** IN EFFECT UNTIL JULY 1, 2015 PER CHAPTER 397 OF 2011**

(a) The Office shall annually select the 350 secondary school 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 postsecondary institution of the student’s choice, if the student meets the following qualifications:

(1) Qualifies academically as follows:

(i) Has a secondary school transcript indicating an overall academic grade point average of at least 3.7 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent grade point average;

(ii) Is a finalist of the National Merit Scholarship Program or the Achievement Scholarship Program administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; or

(iii) Has a superior creative talent or skill in art, music, dance, or the theater, as determined by an audition or portfolio review process established by the Office;

(2) Has matriculated at a postsecondary educational institution in the State; and

(3) Qualifies as a Maryland resident.

(b) (1) At least 150 of the 350 awards shall be granted to superior academic achievers whose secondary school transcripts indicate after the first semester of the junior year an overall academic grade point average of at least 3.7 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent grade point average.

(2) At least 2 recipients who meet the qualifications specified under this section shall be selected from each county of the State.

(c) (1) (i) Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the scholarship award shall be in the amount of $3,000 for use in the next ensuing academic year.

(ii) A recipient’s award may not exceed the cost of attendance at the institution, including:

1. The tuition and fees applicable to the student; and

2. The institution’s estimate of other expenses reasonably related to cost of attendance at that institution, including, without limitation, the cost of room and board, transportation, books, and supplies.

(2) If it is accepted by the eligible student, each award shall be renewable, on an annual basis, for a maximum of 3 years subsequent to the original award if the recipient:

(i) Remains a resident of the State;

(ii) Attends an accredited postsecondary institution in the State;

(iii) Is enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student; and

(iv) Maintains a 3.0 grade average on an academic year basis or, failing to do so, provides evidence, satisfactory to the Secretary, of extenuating circumstances of extreme personal hardship.