53B-8-105.   New Century scholarships -- High school requirements.
     (1) (a) In addition to Centennial Scholarships awarded under Section 53A-15-102 and Career Teaching Scholarships awarded under Title 53B, Chapter 10, Terrel H. Bell Teaching Incentive Loan Program, the State Board of Regents and the State Board of Education shall jointly award New Century scholarships.
     (b) In order to qualify for a New Century scholarship, a student in Utah schools shall complete the requirements for an:
     (i) associate degree; or
     (ii) approved math and science curriculum.
     (c) The requirements under Subsection (1)(b) shall be completed:
     (i) September 1 of the year the student's class graduates from high school; and
     (ii) with at least a "B" average or 3.0 grade point average.
     (d) The State Board of Regents shall develop and approve the math and science curriculum described under Subsection (1)(b)(ii).
     (2) (a) The scholarship may be used at a:
     (i) higher education institution within the state system of higher education that offers baccalaureate programs; or
     (ii) private, nonprofit college or university in the state accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges that offers baccalaureate programs.
     (b) (i) If used at an institution within the state system of higher education, the scholarship is equal in value to 75% of the tuition costs at the selected institution.
     (ii) If used at an institution not within the state system of higher education, the scholarship is equal in value to 75% of the tuition costs at the institution, not to exceed 75% of the average tuition costs at the institutions referred in Subsection (2)(b)(i).
     (c) Each scholarship is valid for up to two years of full-time equivalent enrollment, or until the requirements for a baccalaureate degree have been met, whichever is shorter.
     (d) The State Board of Regents may grant a leave of absence to a scholarship holder, but the scholarship must be used in its entirety within five years after completion of high school.
     (3) The New Century scholarship may be canceled at any time by the institution of attendance if the student fails to:
     (a) maintain a "B" average for two consecutive semesters; or
     (b) make reasonable progress towards the completion of a baccalaureate degree.
     (4) (a) The Legislature shall make an annual appropriation from the General Fund to the State Board of Regents for the costs associated with the New Century scholarship program authorized under this section.
     (b) It is understood that the appropriation is offset in part by the state moneys that would otherwise be required and appropriated for these students if they were enrolled in a four-year postsecondary program at a state-operated institution.
     (c) Notwithstanding Subsections (1) and (2), if the appropriation under Subsection (4)(a) is insufficient to cover the costs associated with the New Century scholarship program, the State Board of Regents may limit or reduce scholarships.
     (5) This section does not apply to a student who completes an associate of applied technology degree from the Utah College of Applied Technology.

Amended by Chapter 271, 2008 General Session
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Last revised: Wednesday, July 23, 2008