The bill amends the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program by updating the definition of "approved institution of higher education." The revised definition now includes a broader range of educational institutions that can participate in the scholarship program. Specifically, it adds a new category for training programs that offer a certificate upon completion and are part of a state-supported two-year or four-year college or university, such as the Arkansas Fire Training Academy.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that public or private vocational-technical schools and technical institutes must be bonded and insured to qualify as approved institutions. The previous language that allowed for the inclusion of vocational-technical schools without the bonding and insurance requirement has been deleted. This amendment aims to ensure that a wider variety of educational options are available to students seeking financial assistance through the scholarship program.

Statutes affected:
HB 1480: 6-85-204(3)