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 either vocational-technical schools or technical institutes has been modified to ensure that both types of institutions can be recognized under the scholarship program, thereby expanding access to financial aid for students pursuing various educational paths.

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