(1) As used in this section: (a) (i) "Cost of attendance" means the estimated costs associated with taking an online course, as established by an eligible institution in accordance with board policies. (ii) "Cost of attendance" includes tuition, costs payable to the eligible institution, and other direct educational expenses related to taking an online course. (b) "Eligible institution" means an institution that offers a postsecondary level course of instruction using digital technology, including a private postsecondary educational institution. (c) "Eligible student" means a financially needy student who is: (i) an independent student on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; (ii) enrolled in an online course at an eligible institution; (iii) pursuing: (A) an online postsecondary degree program in a field where there is a demonstrated industry need; or (B) an online non-degree program that is designed to meet industry needs and leads to a certificate or another recognized educational credential; and (iv) a resident student under Section 53H-11-202 and rules the board establishes. (d) "Financially needy student" means a student who demonstrates the financial inability to meet all or a portion of the cost of attendance at an eligible institution as defined by the board, after utilizing family and personal resources, federal assistance, and scholarships. (e) "Fiscal year" means the fiscal year of the state. (f) "Online course" means a postsecondary level course of instruction offered by an eligible institution using digital technology. (g) "Program" means the Adult Learners Grant Program established in this section. (h) "Tuition" means tuition and fees at the rate charged for residents of the state. (2) There is created the Adult Learners Grant Program to provide financial assistance to eligible students. (3) (a) The board shall, in accordance with the guidelines in this section, develop and administer the program. (b) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the board shall make rules to establish: (i) how an individual establishes financial need for purposes of receiving a grant under the program; (ii) a requirement that an applicant complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; (iii) how to determine whether an individual is a Utah resident; (iv) a process and requirements for an individual to apply for a grant under the program; (v) a formula to allocate money appropriated for the program to eligible students, prioritizing: (A) students from rural areas; (B) minority students; (C) low income students; (D) first generation students; and (E) students pursuing education that aligns with industry needs; and (vi) a method of identifying industry needs for purposes of determining student eligibility to receive a grant under this section. (c) The board may not use more than 3% of money appropriated for the program for administrative costs or overhead. (4) To be eligible for a grant under this section, a student shall demonstrate, in accordance with rules the board makes under Subsection (3)(b): (a) that the student has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; and (b) that the student is financially needy. (5) The board shall: (a) annually establish the minimum and maximum amount for a grant; (b) (i) award grants to eligible students on an annual basis; and (ii) distribute grant money on a quarter or semester basis; and (c) except as provided in Subsection (3)(b)(v), award all money appropriated for the program without regard to an applicant's race, creed, color, religion, sex, or ancestry. (6) The total sum of program grant money, financial aid from any source, and family or personal contribution may not exceed the cost of attendance for an eligible student at an eligible institution for a fiscal year. (7) An eligible student that receives a grant under the program shall apply the grant money to the cost of attendance. (8) The board shall annually report program outcomes to the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, including: (a) number of grant recipients at each eligible institution; (b) average amount of grant money provided per grant recipient; (c) benefits in fulfillment of the purposes for the program described in this section; and (d) recommendations for program modification, including recommended funding levels. Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1
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