This bill aims to amend the West Virginia Invests Grant Program by expanding its eligibility to include individuals seeking an associate degree or certificate in a post-secondary program specifically for emergency medical services. The current eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants must not have previously been awarded a post-secondary degree; however, the new language allows those who have already obtained a degree to qualify for the grant if they are pursuing education in the specified field of emergency medical services.

Additionally, the bill maintains existing eligibility criteria, such as residency requirements, age restrictions, and academic performance standards, while also outlining the conditions under which grant recipients must repay the awarded funds if they choose to reside outside of West Virginia within two years of obtaining their degree or certificate. The legislation emphasizes the importance of community service participation and establishes a framework for compliance and repayment, ensuring that recipients are informed of their obligations prior to accepting the grant.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18C-9-5