This bill establishes the Hathaway private post secondary institution scholarship, aimed at providing financial assistance to eligible students attending accredited private post secondary institutions in Wyoming. The scholarship is contingent on available funds and is intended to cover costs associated with obtaining a certificate or degree. Eligibility criteria include a minimum high school GPA of 3.5, a qualifying score on a national examination, and adherence to success curriculum requirements. The bill also outlines the application process, which requires students to verify their academic records and criminal history, and mandates that the Department of Education promulgate rules for administering the scholarship.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to include private post secondary institutions as eligible entities for scholarship funding and modifies the reporting requirements for institutions receiving these funds. It specifies that a maximum of $500 per semester can be awarded, with a cap of 200 students receiving the scholarship. The bill also includes provisions for auditing institutions and requires annual reporting to the governor and legislature. The scholarship program is set to sunset on July 1, 2029, unless extended.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0247 v0.2: 21-16-1301, 21-16-1302, 21-16-1309, 21-16-1311