Bill No.: HB0099                  Drafter:  DKG

LSO No.:  07LSO-0131              Effective Date:  2/23/2007

Enrolled Act No.:  HEA0067

Chapter No.:       110

Prime Sponsor:     Joint Education Interim Committee

Catch Title:       Hathaway scholarship program.

Subject:  Modifications to the Hathaway scholarship program, eligibility requirements.

Summary/Major Elements:

· This act modifies certain eligibility requirements for Hathaway scholarships.

· Expands eligibility to graduate or professional degrees.  This would only affect those students who receive an undergraduate degree early or who, for some other reason, have not used the overall limitation of the equivalent of 8 full-time semesters of receiving a Hathaway scholarship.

· Provides an exception to the general limitation of 6 academic years from initial eligibility to use the 8 semesters of eligibility.  This exception is limited to students receiving an associate of applied science degree and who subsequently enroll at the University of Wyoming.  The intent of the exception is to allow students pursuing an occupation requiring that degree, then actual work experience, then completion of a baccalaureate of applied science degree, to pursue that path.

· Requires students attending more than one eligible institution (Wyoming community colleges and the University of Wyoming) to designate one of the institutions as the home institution which will receive the Hathaway scholarship funds for the student.  (Current law provides for a division of the scholarship funds in this situation.)

Comments:

· Report Required – requires the department of education, in consultation with the University and community colleges to conduct an analysis of expanding the Hathaway program to private in-state institutions and expanding the program based upon meritorious academic performance.

· Creates/amends major program – expands Hathaway scholarship program.