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 full coverage of tuition, room, and board for students enrolled in state institutions of higher education within these designated majors, overriding the previous limits of $4,750 for annual awards. The bill maintains existing scholarship conditions for other students and ensures that the total cost of scholarships awarded does not exceed available funds.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of community service for prospective scholarship candidates, encouraging them to engage in at least 20 hours of unpaid service during high school. The commission is tasked with promulgating rules to ensure the effective operation of the scholarship program, including provisions for maintaining financial stability and maximizing student eligibility for federal aid. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance educational opportunities for students pursuing STEM careers in West Virginia.

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