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 states that for each student enrolled in a state institution of higher education in a STEM major, the annual scholarship award will cover the full cost of tuition, room, and board. This is a significant enhancement compared to the existing scholarship limits, which cap awards at $4,750 or the cost of tuition, whichever is lesser.

Additionally, the bill maintains the existing eligibility requirements for the PROMISE scholarship, including the need for students to submit applications, maintain a minimum GPA, and fulfill other academic progress criteria. It also emphasizes the importance of community service for prospective candidates. The overall intent of the legislation is to encourage more students to pursue degrees in STEM fields by providing them with comprehensive financial support, thereby enhancing educational opportunities and workforce development in these critical areas.

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