S105 - 2021 Appropriations Act. (SL 2021-180)

Overview: Section 8A.5 of S.L. 2021-180 requires the State Education Assistance Authority (SEAA) to administer the Longleaf Commitment Grant Program (Program) to award grants of between $700 and $2,800 to eligible students graduating from high school at the end of the 2021-2022 school year to cover tuition and fees at a community college for up to two years. Students will be eligible if they meet the following requirements:

• Graduate from high school during the 2021-2022 school year or receive a high school equivalency diploma during the 2021-2022 school year.
• Qualify as a resident for tuition purposes under the criteria set forth in G.S. 116-143.1 and in accordance with the coordinated and centralized residency determination process administered by the SEAA.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2022-2023 academic year, and, if applicable, renew the FAFSA for the 2023-2024 academic year.
• Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) below $15,000.
• Enroll in the Fall 2022 semester and maintain enrollment in at least six credit hours per semester in curriculum courses at a community college.

SEAA can adopt rules for the administration of the Program and use up to 1% of the appropriated funds for administrative costs. Additionally, the Community Colleges System Office must administer a matching grant program for community colleges to provide student support services.

SEAA must submit an initial report by September 1, 2023, and a final report by September 1, 2024, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on the implementation of the program.

This section became effective July 1, 2021.