This bill aims to amend the PROMISE Scholarship Program in West Virginia by expanding the financial support for students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that allows for the annual scholarship award to cover the full cost of tuition, room, and board for eligible students enrolled in state institutions of higher education within these designated majors. This change is intended to enhance the financial assistance available to students pursuing degrees in critical areas that contribute to workforce development and economic growth.

In addition to this new provision, the bill maintains existing scholarship award structures for other students, which are capped at $4,750 or the cost of tuition, whichever is less. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the financial stability of the scholarship fund and outlines eligibility requirements for applicants, including academic performance and community service expectations. Overall, the bill seeks to promote academic excellence and encourage enrollment in STEM fields by providing more substantial financial support to students in these areas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18C-7-6