The bill amends the Hathaway scholarship program by updating eligibility requirements, award timing, and the calculation of unmet financial need and scholarship amounts. Key changes include extending the application period for scholarships from four years to twenty years post-high school graduation and allowing the use of scholarships for summer semesters. The scholarship amounts are now specified, with the Hathaway opportunity scholarship set at $6,720, the performance scholarship at $10,080, and the honor scholarship at $13,440. New definitions for "remaining scholarship amount" and "total scholarship amount" are introduced to clarify funding eligibility. The bill also repeals obsolete language, specifies that scholarships are non-transferable, and allows students to elect to receive a portion of their remaining scholarship amount in any semester, subject to legislative appropriation.

Additionally, the bill establishes new eligibility requirements for the Hathaway Expand Wyoming Scholarship program, mandating a cumulative GPA of 3.25, enrollment in at least twelve semester hours each spring and fall semester, and the completion of at least twenty-four semester hours annually. It modifies grant amounts under the Wyoming works program, setting a maximum of $1,680 for one academic year and $3,360 for critical workforce sector credential programs. The bill also introduces a scholarship amount of $840 per semester for students enrolled in twelve or more semester hours, with provisions for extending eligibility based on GPA and continuous enrollment. It outlines the administration of the scholarship program and ensures that students who received scholarships prior to the bill's effective date will continue under previous regulations until June 30, 2026, with the act taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0094 v0.6: 21-16-1301, 21-16-1303, 21-16-1305, 21-16-1308