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 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 the new provision for STEM majors, the bill maintains existing scholarship requirements and eligibility criteria, including the need for students to submit a scholarship application, apply for federal student aid, and maintain a minimum GPA. The total amount of scholarships awarded in any fiscal year will still be limited to the funds available to the commission. Overall, the bill seeks to promote academic excellence in STEM fields by providing more substantial financial support to students in these disciplines.

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