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 the necessity of being enrolled in an eligible institution. 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 after obtaining their degree or certificate. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance educational opportunities in emergency medical services while ensuring that recipients remain accountable for their grant agreements.

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