§ 115D-40.1.  Targeted Financial Assistance for Community College Students; participation in federal programs.

(a) Repealed by Session Laws 2021-180, s. 8A.2(g), effective July 1, 2023.

(b) Targeted Financial Assistance. - Within the funds available, the State Board may provide financial assistance to the following students:

(1) Students who enroll in low-enrollment programs that prepare students for high-demand occupations.

(2) Students with disabilities who have been referred by the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and are enrolled in a community college.

(3) Students enrolled in fewer than six credit hours per semester who otherwise qualify for need-based financial aid programs.

(c) Administration of Targeted Financial Assistance. - The State Board shall adopt rules and policies for the disbursement of the targeted financial assistance provided in subsection (b) of this section. Degree, diploma, and certificate students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for financial assistance. The State Board may contract with the State Education Assistance Authority for administration of these targeted financial assistance funds.

(d) Participation in Federal Loan Programs. - All community colleges shall participate in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, unless the board of trustees of an institution adopts a resolution declining to participate in the Program. The State Board shall ensure that at least one counselor is available at each college to inform students about federal programs and funds available to assist community college students, including, but not limited to, Pell Grants, HOPE and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits, and, for participating colleges, the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, and to actively encourage students to utilize these federal programs and funds. The board of trustees of any institution that has declined to participate in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program through the adoption of a resolution may rescind the resolution and participate in the Program but shall not have the authority to again decline participation in the Program. (1999-237, s. 9.4(a), (b); 2001-229, ss. 1, 2; 2003-52, s. 1; 2003-385, s. 1; 2009-451, s. 8.4; 2010-31, s. 8.5(b); 2011-148, ss. 1, 2; 2011-154, ss. 1, 2; 2011-155, ss. 1, 2; 2011-178, ss. 1, 2; 2012-31, s. 1; 2012-142, s. 8.11(c); 2013-360, s. 10.13; 2013-410, s. 43; 2021-180, s. 8A.2(g).)