Bill > HB473

This bill modifies the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship Program by expanding the timeframe and eligibility conditions for scholarship recipients. Specifically, the bill allows scholarship recipients to hold their award for up to 3 years if enrolled full-time in various educational pathways, including non-credit vocational certificates, credit or non-credit courses leading to licensure or certification, courses required for registered apprenticeship programs, certificate programs, or as a full-time associate's degree candidate. Additionally, for part-time students, the scholarship can be held for up to 6 years after first enrolling as an associate's degree candidate. The bill maintains existing requirements that recipients continue to be eligible for in-state tuition, enroll in at least 6 credits per semester or participate in an apprenticeship program, maintain a 2.5 GPA, make satisfactory academic progress, meet income limitations, and submit timely applications. Community colleges can also extend scholarship awards for students experiencing extenuating circumstances that interrupt their studies. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing more flexibility for students pursuing various educational and career training pathways at Maryland community colleges.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0473?ys=2025RS