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 bill introduces a provision allowing those with prior degrees to qualify if they are pursuing education in the specified field of emergency medical services.

In addition to this key insertion, the bill maintains existing eligibility criteria, such as residency requirements, age restrictions, and academic performance standards. It also outlines the conditions under which grants can be renewed and the repayment obligations for recipients who choose to reside outside of West Virginia within two years of obtaining their degree or certificate. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance educational opportunities in emergency medical services while ensuring that grant recipients remain accountable for their commitments.

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