USC Subpart 2

in effect

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–11 Program authority; authorization of appropriations

(a) Grants and contracts authorizedThe Secretary shall, in accordance with the provisions of this division, carry out a program of making grants and contracts designed to identify qualified individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, to prepare them for a program of postsecondary education, to provide support services for such students who are pursuing programs of postsecondary education, to motivate and prepare students for doctoral programs, and to train individuals serving or preparing for service in programs and projects so designed. (b) Recipients, duration, and size(1) RecipientsFor the purposes described in subsection (a), the Secretary is authorized, without regard to section 6101 of title 41, to make grants to, and contracts with, institutions of higher education, public and private agencies and organizations, including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth, combinations of such institutions, agencies and organizations, and, as appropriate to the purposes of the program, secondary schools, for planning, developing, or carrying out one or more of the services assisted under this division. (2) DurationGrants or contracts made under this division shall be awarded for a period of 5 years, except that—(A) in order to synchronize the awarding of grants for programs under this division, the Secretary may, under such terms as are consistent with the purposes of this division, provide a one-time, limited extension of the length of such an award; (B) grants made under section 1070a–17 of this title shall be awarded for a period of 2 years; and (C) grants under section 1070a–18 of this title shall be awarded for a period determined by the Secretary. (3) Minimum grantsUnless the institution or agency requests a smaller amount, an individual grant authorized under this division shall be awarded in an amount that is not less than $200,000, except that an individual grant authorized under section 1070a–17 of this title shall be awarded in an amount that is not less than $170,000. (c) Procedures for awarding grants and contracts(1) Application requirementsAn eligible entity that desires to receive a grant or contract under this division shall submit an application to the Secretary in such manner and form, and containing such information and assurances, as the Secretary may reasonably require. (2) Considerations(A) Prior experienceIn making grants under this division, the Secretary shall consider each applicant’s prior experience of high quality service delivery, as determined under subsection (f), under the particular program for which funds are sought. The level of consideration given the factor of prior experience shall not vary from the level of consideration given such factor during fiscal years 1994 through 1997, except that grants made under section 1070a–18 of this title shall not be given prior experience consideration. (B) Participant needIn making grants under this division, the Secretary shall consider the number, percentages, and needs of eligible participants in the area, institution of higher education, or secondary school to be served to aid such participants in preparing for, enrolling in, or succeeding in postsecondary education, as appropriate to the particular program for which the eligible entity is applying. (3) Order of awards; program fraud(A) Except with respect to grants made under sections 1070a–17 and 1070a–18 of this title and as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall award grants and contracts under this division in the order of the scores received by the application for such grant or contract in the peer review process required under paragraph (4) and adjusted for prior experience in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection. (B) The Secretary shall not provide assistance to a program otherwise eligible for assistance under this division, if the Secretary has determined that such program has involved the fraudulent use of funds under this division. (4) Peer review process(A) The Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, members of groups underrepresented in higher education, including African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, and Native American Pacific Islanders (including Native Hawaiians), are represented as readers of applications submitted under this division. The Secretary shall also ensure that persons from urban and rural backgrounds are represented as readers. (B) The Secretary shall ensure that each application submitted under this division is read by at least three readers who are not employees of the Federal Government (other than as readers of applications). (5) Number of applications for grants and contractsThe Secretary shall not limit the number of applications submitted by an entity under any program authorized under this division if the additional applications describe programs serving different populations or different campuses. (6) Coordination with other programs for disadvantaged studentsThe Secretary shall encourage coordination of programs assisted under this division with other programs for disadvantaged students operated by the sponsoring institution or agency, regardless of the funding source of such programs. The Secretary shall not limit an entity’s eligibility to receive funds under this division because such entity sponsors a program similar to the program to be assisted under this division, regardless of the funding source of such program. The Secretary shall permit the Director of a program receiving funds under this division to administer one or more additional programs for disadvantaged students operated by the sponsoring institution or agency, regardless of the funding sources of such programs. The Secretary shall, as appropriate, require each applicant for funds under the programs authorized by this division to identify and make available services under such program, including mentoring, tutoring, and other services provided by such program, to foster care youth (including youth in foster care and youth who have left foster care after reaching age 13) or to homeless children and youths as defined in section 11434a of title 42. (7) Application statusThe Secretary shall inform each entity operating programs under this division regarding the status of their application for continued funding at least 8 months prior to the expiration of the grant or contract. The Secretary, in the case of an entity that is continuing to operate a successful program under this division, shall ensure that the start-up date for a new grant or contract for such program immediately follows the termination of the preceding grant or contract so that no interruption of funding occurs for such successful reapplicants. The Secretary shall inform each entity requesting assistance under this division for a new program regarding the status of their application at least 8 months prior to the proposed startup date of such program. (8) Review and notification by the Secretary(A) GuidanceNot later than 180 days after August 14, 2008, the Secretary shall issue nonregulatory guidance regarding the rights and responsibilities of applicants with respect to the application and evaluation process for programs and projects assisted under this division, including applicant access to peer review comments. The guidance shall describe the procedures for the submission, processing, and scoring of applications for grants under this division, including—(i) the responsibility of applicants to submit materials in a timely manner and in accordance with the processes established by the Secretary under the authority of the General Education Provisions Act [20 U.S.C. 1221 et seq.]; (ii) steps the Secretary will take to ensure that the materials submitted by applicants are processed in a proper and timely manner; (iii) steps the Secretary will take to ensure that prior experience points for high quality service delivery are awarded in an accurate and transparent manner; (iv) steps the Secretary will take to ensure the quality and integrity of the peer review process, including assurances that peer reviewers will consider applications for grants under this division in a thorough and complete manner consistent with applicable Federal law; and (v) steps the Secretary will take to ensure that the final score of an application, including prior experience points for high quality service delivery and points awarded through the peer review process, is determined in an accurate and transparent manner. (B) Updated guidanceNot later than 45 days before the date of the commencement of each competition for a grant under this division that is held after the expiration of the 180-day period described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall update and publish the guidance described in such subparagraph. (C) Review(i) In generalWith respect to any competition for a grant under this division, an applicant may request a review by the Secretary if the applicant—(I) has evidence of a specific technical, administrative, or scoring error made by the Department, an agent of the Department, or a peer reviewer, with respect to the scoring or processing of a submitted application; and (II) has otherwise met all of the requirements for submission of the application. (ii) Technical or administrative errorIn the case of evidence of a technical or administrative error listed in clause (i)(I), the Secretary shall review such evidence and provide a timely response to the applicant. If the Secretary determines that a technical or administrative error was made by the Department or an agent of the Department, the application of the applicant shall be reconsidered in the peer review process for the applicable grant competition. (iii) Scoring errorIn the case of evidence of a scoring error listed in clause (i)(I), when the error relates to either prior experience points for high quality service delivery or to the final score of an application, the Secretary shall—(I) review such evidence and provide a timely response to the applicant; and (II) if the Secretary determines that a scoring error was made by the Department or a peer reviewer, adjust the prior experience points or final score of the application appropriately and quickly, so as not to interfere with the timely awarding of grants for the applicable grant competition. (iv) Error in peer review process(I) Referral to secondary reviewIn the case of a peer review process error listed in clause (i)(I), if the Secretary determines that points were withheld for criteria not required in Federal statute, regulation, or guidance governing a program assisted under this division or the application for a grant for such program, or determines that information pertaining to selection criteria was wrongly determined to be missing from an application by a peer reviewer, then the Secretary shall refer the application to a secondary review panel. (II) Timely review; replacement scoreThe secondary review panel described in subclause (I) shall conduct a secondary review in a timely fashion, and the score resulting from the secondary review shall replace the score from the initial peer review. (III) Composition of secondary review panelThe secondary review panel shall be composed of reviewers each of whom—(aa) did not review the application in the original peer review; (bb) is a member of the cohort of peer reviewers for the grant program that is the subject of such secondary review; and (cc) to extent practicable, has conducted peer reviews in not less than two previous competitions for the grant program that is the subject of such secondary review. (IV) Final scoreThe final peer review score of an application subject to a secondary review under this clause shall be adjusted appropriately and quickly using the score awarded by the secondary review panel, so as not to interfere with the timely awarding of grants for the applicable grant competition. (V) Qualification for secondary reviewTo qualify for a secondary review under this clause, an applicant shall have evidence of a scoring error and demonstrate that—(aa) points were withheld for criteria not required in statute, regulation, or guidance governing the Federal TRIO programs or the application for a grant for such programs; or (bb) information pertaining to selection criteria was wrongly determined to be missing from the application. (v) Finality(I) In generalA determination by the Secretary under clause (i), (ii), or (iii) shall not be reviewable by any officer or employee of the Department. (II) ScoringThe score awarded by a secondary review panel under clause (iv) shall not be reviewable by any officer or employee of the Department other than the Secretary. (vi) Funding of applications with certain adjusted scoresTo the extent feasible based on the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall fund applications with scores that are adjusted upward under clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv) to equal or exceed the minimum cut off score for the applicable grant competition. (d) Outreach(1) In generalThe Secretary shall conduct outreach activities to ensure that entities eligible for assistance under this division submit applications proposing programs that serve geographic areas and eligible populations which have been underserved by the programs assisted under this division. (2) NoticeIn carrying out the provisions of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall notify the entities described in subsection (b) of the availability of assistance under this subsection not less than 120 days prior to the deadline for submission of applications under this division and shall consult national, State, and regional organizations about candidates for notification. (3) Technical assistanceThe Secretary shall provide technical training to applicants for projects and programs authorized under this division. The Secretary shall give priority to serving programs and projects that serve geographic areas and eligible populations which have been underserved by the programs assisted under this division. Technical training activities shall include the provision of information on authorizing legislation, goals and objectives of the program, required activities, eligibility requirements, the application process and application deadlines, and assistance in the development of program proposals and the completion of program applications. Such training shall be furnished at conferences, seminars, and workshops to be conducted at not less than 10 sites throughout the United States to ensure that all areas of the United States with large concentrations of eligible participants are served. (4) Special ruleThe Secretary may contract with eligible entities to conduct the outreach activities described in this subsection. (e) Documentation of status as a low-income individual(1) Except in the case of an independent student, as defined in section 1087vv(d) of this title, documentation of an individual’s status pursuant to subsection (h)(4) shall be made by providing the Secretary with—(A) a signed statement from the individual’s parent or legal guardian; (B) verification from another governmental source; (C) a signed financial aid application; or (D) a signed United States or Puerto Rico income tax return. (2) In the case of an independent student, as defined in section 1087vv(d) of this title, documentation of an individual’s status pursuant to subsection (h)(4) shall be made by providing the Secretary with—(A) a signed statement from the individual; (B) verification from another governmental source; (C) a signed financial aid application; or (D) a signed United States or Puerto Rico income tax return. (3) Notwithstanding this subsection and subsection (h)(4), individuals who are foster care youth (including youth in foster care and youth who have left foster care after reaching age 13), or homeless children and youths as defined in section 11434a of title 42, shall be eligible to participate in programs under sections 1070a–12, 1070a–13, 1070a–14, and 1070a–16 of this title. (f) Outcome criteria(1) Use for prior experience determinationFor competitions for grants under this division that begin on or after January 1, 2009, the Secretary shall determine an eligible entity’s prior experience of high quality service delivery, as required under subsection (c)(2), based on the outcome criteria described in paragraphs (2) and (3). (2) Disaggregation of relevant dataThe outcome criteria under this subsection shall be disaggregated by low-income students, first generation college students, and individuals with disabilities, in the schools and institutions of higher education served by the program to be evaluated. (3) Contents of outcome criteriaThe outcome criteria under this subsection shall measure, annually and for longer periods, the quality and effectiveness of programs authorized under this division and shall include the following:(A) For programs authorized under section 1070a–12 of this title, the extent to which the eligible entity met or exceeded the entity’s objectives established in the entity’s application for such program regarding—(i) the delivery of service to a total number of students served by the program; (ii) the continued secondary school enrollment of such students; (iii) the graduation of such students from secondary school with a regular secondary school diploma in the standard number of years; (iv) the completion by such students of a rigorous secondary school program of study that will make such students eligible for programs such as the Academic Competitiveness Grants Program; (v) the enrollment of such students in an institution of higher education; and (vi) to the extent practicable, the postsecondary education completion of such students. (B) For programs authorized under section 1070a–13 of this title, the extent to which the eligible entity met or exceeded the entity’s objectives for such program regarding—(i) the delivery of service to a total number of students served by the program, as agreed upon by the entity and the Secretary for the period; (ii) such students’ school performance, as measured by the grade point average, or its equivalent; (iii) such students’ academic performance, as measured by standardized tests, including tests required by the students’ State; (iv) the retention in, and graduation from, secondary school of such students; (v) the completion by such students of a rigorous secondary school program of study that will make such students eligible for programs such as the Academic Competitiveness Grants Program; (vi) the enrollment of such students in an institution of higher education; and (vii) to the extent practicable, the postsecondary education completion of such students. (C) For programs authorized under section 1070a–14 of this title—(i) the extent to which the eligible entity met or exceeded the entity’s objectives regarding the retention in postsecondary education of the students served by the program; (ii)(I) in the case of an entity that is an institution of higher education offering a baccalaureate degree, the extent to which the entity met or exceeded the entity’s objectives regarding the percentage of such students’ completion of the degree programs in which such students were enrolled; or (II) in the case of an entity that is an institution of higher education that does not offer a baccalaureate degree, the extent to which such students met or exceeded the entity’s objectives regarding—(aa) the completion of a degree or certificate by such students; and (bb) the transfer of such students to institutions of higher education that offer baccalaureate degrees; (iii) the extent to which the entity met or exceeded the entity’s objectives regarding the delivery of service to a total number of students, as agreed upon by the entity and the Secretary for the period; and (iv) the extent to which the entity met or exceeded the entity’s objectives regarding the students served under the program who remain in good academic standing. (D) For programs authorized under section 1070a–15 of this title, the extent to which the entity met or exceeded the entity’s objectives for such program regarding—(i) the delivery of service to a total number of students served by the program, as agreed upon by the entity and the Secretary for the period; (ii) the provision of appropriate scholarly and research activities for the students served by the program; (iii) the acceptance and enrollment of such students in graduate programs; and (iv) the continued enrollment of such students in graduate study and the attainment of doctoral degrees by former program participants. (E) For programs authorized under section 1070a–16 of this title, the extent to which the entity met or exceeded the entity’s objectives for such program regarding—(i) the enrollment of students without a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, who were served by the program, in programs leading to such diploma or equivalent; (ii) the enrollment of secondary school graduates who were served by the program in programs of postsecondary education; (iii) the delivery of service to a total number of students served by the program, as agreed upon by the entity and the Secretary for the period; and (iv) the provision of assistance to students served by the program in completing financial aid applications and college admission applications. (4) Measurement of progressIn order to determine the extent to which each outcome criterion described in paragraph (2) or (3) is met or exceeded, the Secretary shall compare the agreed upon target for the criterion, as established in the eligible entity’s application approved by the Secretary, with the results for the criterion, measured as of the last day of the applicable time period for the determination for the outcome criterion. (g) Authorization of appropriationsFor the purpose of making grants and contracts under this division, there are authorized to be appropriated $900,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years. Of the amount appropriated under this division, the Secretary may use no more than ½ of 1 percent of such amount to obtain additional qualified readers and additional staff to review applications, to increase the level of oversight monitoring, to support impact studies, program assessments and reviews, and to provide technical assistance to potential applicants and current grantees. In expending these funds, the Secretary shall give priority to the additional administrative requirements provided in the Higher Education Amendments of 1992, to outreach activities, and to obtaining additional readers. (h) DefinitionsFor the purpose of this division:(1) Different campusThe term “different campus” means a site of an institution of higher education that—(A) is geographically apart from the main campus of the institution; (B) is permanent in nature; and (C) offers courses in educational programs leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential. (2) Different populationThe term “different population” means a group of individuals that an eligible entity desires to serve through an application for a grant under this division, and that—(A) is separate and distinct from any other population that the entity has applied for a grant under this division to serve; or (B) while sharing some of the same needs as another population that the eligible entity has applied for a grant under this division to serve, has distinct needs for specialized services. (3) First generation college studentThe term “first generation college student” means—(A) an individual both of whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree; or (B) in the case of any individual who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent, an individual whose only such parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree. (4) Low-income individualThe term “low-income individual” means an individual from a family whose taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of an amount equal to the poverty level determined by using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau of the Census. (5) Veteran eligibilityNo veteran shall be deemed ineligible to participate in any program under this division by reason of such individual’s age who—(A) served on active duty for a period of more than 180 days and was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable; (B) served on active duty and was discharged or released therefrom because of a service connected disability; (C) was a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces called to active duty for a period of more than 30 days; or (D) was a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who served on active duty in support of a contingency operation (as that term is defined in section 101(a)(13) of title 10) on or after September 11, 2001. (6) WaiverThe Secretary may waive the service requirements in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (5) if the Secretary determines the application of the service requirements to a veteran will defeat the purpose of a program under this division.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–12 Talent search

(a) Program authorityThe Secretary shall carry out a program to be known as talent search which shall be designed—(1) to identify qualified youths with potential for education at the postsecondary level and to encourage such youths to complete secondary school and to undertake a program of postsecondary education; (2) to publicize the availability of, and facilitate the application for, student financial assistance available to persons who pursue a program of postsecondary education; and (3) to encourage persons who have not completed programs of education at the secondary or postsecondary level to enter or reenter, and complete such programs. (b) Required servicesAny project assisted under this section shall provide—(1) connections to high quality academic tutoring services, to enable students to complete secondary or postsecondary courses; (2) advice and assistance in secondary course selection and, if applicable, initial postsecondary course selection; (3) assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing college admission applications; (4)(A) information on the full range of Federal student financial aid programs and benefits (including Federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness) and resources for locating public and private scholarships; and (B) assistance in completing financial aid applications, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 1090(a) of this title; (5) guidance on and assistance in—(A) secondary school reentry; (B) alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts that lead to the receipt of a regular secondary school diploma; (C) entry into general educational development (GED) programs; or (D) postsecondary education; and (6) connections to education or counseling services designed to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students or the students’ parents, including financial planning for postsecondary education. (c) Permissible servicesAny project assisted under this section may provide services such as—(1) academic tutoring, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects; (2) personal and career counseling or activities; (3) information and activities designed to acquaint youth with the range of career options available to the youth; (4) exposure to the campuses of institutions of higher education, as well as cultural events, academic programs, and other sites or activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth; (5) workshops and counseling for families of students served; (6) mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers or counselors, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of such persons; and (7) programs and activities as described in subsection (b) or paragraphs (1) through (6) of this subsection that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths (as such term is defined in section 11434a of title 42), students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, or other disconnected students. (d) Requirements for approval of applicationsIn approving applications for projects under this section for any fiscal year the Secretary shall—(1) require an assurance that not less than two-thirds of the individuals participating in the project proposed to be carried out under any application be low-income individuals who are first generation college students; (2) require that such participants be persons who either have completed 5 years of elementary education or are at least 11 years of age but not more than 27 years of age, unless the imposition of any such limitation with respect to any person would defeat the purposes of this section or the purposes of section 1070a–16 of this title; (3) require an assurance that individuals participating in the project proposed in the application do not have access to services from another project funded under this section or under section 1070a–16 of this title; and (4) require an assurance that the project will be located in a setting accessible to the persons proposed to be served by the project.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–13 Upward bound

(a) Program authorityThe Secretary shall carry out a program to be known as upward bound which shall be designed to generate skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond secondary school. (b) Required servicesAny project assisted under this section shall provide—(1) academic tutoring to enable students to complete secondary or postsecondary courses, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects; (2) advice and assistance in secondary and postsecondary course selection; (3) assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing college admission applications; (4)(A) information on the full range of Federal student financial aid programs and benefits (including Federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness) and resources for locating public and private scholarships; and (B) assistance in completing financial aid applications, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 1090(a) of this title; (5) guidance on and assistance in—(A) secondary school reentry; (B) alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts that lead to the receipt of a regular secondary school diploma; (C) entry into general educational development (GED) programs; or (D) postsecondary education; and (6) education or counseling services designed to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students or the students’ parents, including financial planning for postsecondary education. (c) Additional required services for multiple-year grant recipientsAny project assisted under this section which has received funding for two or more years shall include, as part of the core curriculum in the next and succeeding years, instruction in mathematics through precalculus, laboratory science, foreign language, composition, and literature. (d) Permissible servicesAny project assisted under this section may provide such services as—(1) exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth; (2) information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint youth participating in the project with the range of career options available to the youth; (3) on-campus residential programs; (4) mentoring programs involving elementary school or secondary school teachers or counselors, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of such persons; (5) work-study positions where youth participating in the project are exposed to careers requiring a postsecondary degree; (6) special services, including mathematics and science preparation, to enable veterans to make the transition to postsecondary education; and (7) programs and activities as described in subsection (b), subsection (c), or paragraphs (1) through (6) of this subsection that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths (as such term is defined in section 11434a of title 42), students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, or other disconnected students. (e) Requirements for approval of applicationsIn approving applications for projects under this section for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall—(1) require an assurance that not less than two-thirds of the youths participating in the project proposed to be carried out under any application be low-income individuals who are first generation college students; (2) require an assurance that the remaining youths participating in the project proposed to be carried out under any application be low-income individuals, first generation college students, or students who have a high risk for academic failure; (3) require that there be a determination by the institution, with respect to each participant in such project that the participant has a need for academic support in order to pursue successfully a program of education beyond secondary school; (4) require that such participants be persons who have completed 8 years of elementary education and are at least 13 years of age but not more than 19 years of age, unless the imposition of any such limitation would defeat the purposes of this section; and (5) require an assurance that no student will be denied participation in a project assisted under this section because the student will enter the project after the 9th grade. (f) Maximum stipendsYouths participating in a project proposed to be carried out under any application may be paid stipends not in excess of $60 per month during the summer school recess, for a period not to exceed three months, except that youth participating in a work-study position under subsection (d)(5) may be paid a stipend of $300 per month during the summer school recess, for a period not to exceed three months. Youths participating in a project proposed to be carried out under any application may be paid stipends not in excess of $40 per month during the remaining period of the year. (g) Additional funds(1) Authorization and appropriationThere are authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated to the Secretary, from funds not otherwise appropriated, $57,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2011 to carry out paragraph (2), except that any amounts that remain unexpended for such purpose for each of such fiscal years may be available for technical assistance and administration costs for the Upward Bound program. The authority to award grants under this subsection shall expire at the end of fiscal year 2011. (2) Use of fundsThe amounts made available by paragraph (1) shall be available to provide assistance to all Upward Bound projects that did not receive assistance in fiscal year 2007 and that have a grant score above 70. Such assistance shall be made available in the form of 4-year grants. (h) Absolute priority prohibited in Upward Bound ProgramUpon enactment of this subsection and except as otherwise expressly provided by amendment to this section, the Secretary shall not continue, implement, or enforce the absolute priority for the Upward Bound Program published by the Department of Education in the Federal Register on September 22, 2006 (71 Fed. Reg. 55447 et seq.). This subsection shall not be applied retroactively. In implementing this subsection, the Department shall allow the programs and participants chosen in the grant cycle to which the priority applies to continue their grants and participation without a further recompetition. The entities shall not be required to apply the absolute priority conditions or restrictions to future participants.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–14 Student support services

(a) Program authorityThe Secretary shall carry out a program to be known as student support services which shall be designed—(1) to increase college retention and graduation rates for eligible students; (2) to increase the transfer rates of eligible students from 2-year to 4-year institutions; (3) to foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths (as such term is defined in section 11434a of title 42), students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, or other disconnected students; and (4) to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students, including—(A) basic personal income, household money management, and financial planning skills; and (B) basic economic decisionmaking skills. (b) Required servicesA project assisted under this section shall provide—(1) academic tutoring, directly or through other services provided by the institution, to enable students to complete postsecondary courses, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects; (2) advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection; (3)(A) information on both the full range of Federal student financial aid programs and benefits (including Federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness) and resources for locating public and private scholarships; and (B) assistance in completing financial aid applications, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 1090(a) of this title; (4) education or counseling services designed to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students, including financial planning for postsecondary education; (5) activities designed to assist students participating in the project in applying for admission to, and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment in, graduate and professional programs; and (6) activities designed to assist students enrolled in two-year institutions of higher education in applying for admission to, and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment in, a four-year program of postsecondary education. (c) Permissible servicesA project assisted under this section may provide services such as—(1) individualized counseling for personal, career, and academic matters provided by assigned counselors; (2) information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint students participating in the project with the range of career options available to the students; (3) exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to disadvantaged students; (4) mentoring programs involving faculty or upper class students, or a combination thereof; (5) securing temporary housing during breaks in the academic year for—(A) students who are homeless children and youths (as such term is defined in section 11434a of title 42) or were formerly homeless children and youths; and (B) students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system; and (6) programs and activities as described in subsection (b) or paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subsection that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths (as such term is defined in section 11434a of title 42), students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, or other disconnected students. (d) Special rule(1) Use for student aidA recipient of a grant that undertakes any of the permissible services identified in subsection (c) may, in addition, use such funds to provide grant aid to students. A grant provided under this paragraph shall not exceed the Federal Pell Grant amount, determined under section 1070a(b)(2)(A) of this title, for which a student is eligible, or be less than the minimum Federal Pell Grant amount described in section 1070a(b)(4) of this title, for the current academic year. In making grants to students under this subsection, an institution shall ensure that adequate consultation takes place between the student support service program office and the institution’s financial aid office. (2) Eligible studentsFor purposes of receiving grant aid under this subsection, eligible students shall be current participants in the student support services program offered by the institution and be—(A) students who are in their first 2 years of postsecondary education and who are receiving Federal Pell Grants under subpart 1 of part A; or (B) students who have completed their first 2 years of postsecondary education and who are receiving Federal Pell Grants under subpart 1 if the institution demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that—(i) these students are at high risk of dropping out; and (ii) it will first meet the needs of all its eligible first- and second-year students for services under this paragraph. (3) Determination of needA grant provided to a student under paragraph (1) shall not be considered in determining that student’s need for grant or work assistance under this subchapter, except that in no case shall the total amount of student financial assistance awarded to a student under this subchapter exceed that student’s cost of attendance, as defined in section 1087ll of this title. (4) Matching requiredA recipient of a grant who uses such funds for the purpose described in paragraph (1) shall match the funds used for such purpose, in cash, from non-Federal funds, in an amount that is not less than 33 percent of the total amount of funds used for that purpose. This paragraph shall not apply to any grant recipient that is an institution of higher education eligible to receive funds under part A or B of subchapter III or subchapter V. (5) ReservationIn no event may a recipient use more than 20 percent of the funds received under this section for grant aid. (6) Supplement, not supplantFunds received by a grant recipient that are used under this subsection shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, non-Federal funds expended for student support services programs. (e) Requirements for approval of applicationsIn approving applications for projects under this section for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall—(1) require an assurance that not less than two-thirds of the persons participating in the project proposed to be carried out under any application—(A) be individuals with disabilities; or (B) be low-income individuals who are first generation college students; (2) require an assurance that the remaining students participating in the project proposed to be carried out under any application be low-income individuals, first generation college students, or individuals with disabilities; (3) require an assurance that not less than one-third of the individuals with disabilities participating in the project be low-income individuals; (4) require that there be a determination by the institution, with respect to each participant in such project, that the participant has a need for academic support in order to pursue successfully a program of education beyond secondary school; (5) require that such participants be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution which is the recipient of the grant or contract; and (6) consider, in addition to such other criteria as the Secretary may prescribe, the institution’s effort, and where applicable past history, in—(A) providing sufficient financial assistance to meet the full financial need of each student in the project; and (B) maintaining the loan burden of each such student at a manageable level.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–15 Postbaccalaureate achievement program authority

(a) Program authorityThe Secretary shall carry out a program to be known as the “Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program” that shall be designed to provide disadvantaged college students with effective preparation for doctoral study. (b) Required servicesA project assisted under this section shall provide—(1) opportunities for research or other scholarly activities at the institution or at graduate centers designed to provide students with effective preparation for doctoral study; (2) summer internships; (3) seminars and other educational activities designed to prepare students for doctoral study; (4) tutoring; (5) academic counseling; and (6) activities designed to assist students participating in the project in securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs. (c) Permissible servicesA project assisted under this section may provide services such as—(1) education or counseling services designed to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students, including financial planning for postsecondary education; (2) mentoring programs involving faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of such persons; and (3) exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to disadvantaged students. (d) RequirementsIn approving applications for projects assisted under this section for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall require—(1) an assurance that not less than two-thirds of the individuals participating in the project proposed to be carried out under any application be low-income individuals who are first generation college students; (2) an assurance that the remaining persons participating in the project proposed to be carried out be from a group that is underrepresented in graduate education, including—(A) Alaska Natives, as defined in section 7546 of this title; (B) Native Hawaiians, as defined in section 7517 of this title; and (C) Native American Pacific Islanders, as defined in section 1059g of this title; (3) an assurance that participants be enrolled in a degree program at an eligible institution having an agreement with the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of section 1094 of this title; and (4) an assurance that participants in summer research internships have completed their sophomore year in postsecondary education. (e) Award considerationsIn addition to such other selection criteria as may be prescribed by regulations, the Secretary shall consider in making awards to institutions under this section—(1) the quality of research and other scholarly activities in which students will be involved; (2) the level of faculty involvement in the project and the description of the research in which students will be involved; and (3) the institution’s plan for identifying and recruiting participants including students enrolled in projects authorized under this section. (f) Maximum stipendsStudents participating in research under a project under this section may receive an award that—(1) shall include a stipend not to exceed $2,800 per annum; and (2) may include, in addition, the costs of summer tuition, summer room and board, and transportation to summer programs. (g) FundingFrom amounts appropriated pursuant to the authority of section 1070a–11(g) of this title, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, allocate funds for projects authorized by this section in an amount which is not less than $11,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2014.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–16 Educational opportunity centers

(a) Program authority; services providedThe Secretary shall carry out a program to be known as educational opportunity centers which shall be designed—(1) to provide information with respect to financial and academic assistance available for individuals desiring to pursue a program of postsecondary education; (2) to provide assistance to such persons in applying for admission to institutions at which a program of postsecondary education is offered, including preparing necessary applications for use by admissions and financial aid officers; and (3) to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students, including—(A) basic personal income, household money management, and financial planning skills; and (B) basic economic decisionmaking skills. (b) Permissible servicesAn educational opportunity center assisted under this section may provide services such as—(1) public information campaigns designed to inform the community regarding opportunities for postsecondary education and training; (2) academic advice and assistance in course selection; (3) assistance in completing college admission and financial aid applications; (4) assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations; (5) education or counseling services designed to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students; (6) guidance on secondary school reentry or entry to a general educational development (GED) program or other alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts; (7) individualized personal, career, and academic counseling; (8) tutorial services; (9) career workshops and counseling; (10) mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of such persons; and (11) programs and activities as described in paragraphs (1) through (10) that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths (as such term is defined in section 11434a of title 42), students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, or other disconnected students. (c) Requirements for approval of applicationsIn approving applications for educational opportunity centers under this section for any fiscal year the Secretary shall—(1) require an assurance that not less than two-thirds of the persons participating in the project proposed to be carried out under any application be low-income individuals who are first generation college students; (2) require that such participants be persons who are at least nineteen years of age, unless the imposition of such limitation with respect to any person would defeat the purposes of this section or the purposes of section 1070a–12 of this title; and (3) require an assurance that individuals participating in the project proposed in the application do not have access to services from another project funded under this section or under section 1070a–12 of this title.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–17 Staff development activities

(a) Secretary’s authorityFor the purpose of improving the operation of the programs and projects authorized by this division, the Secretary is authorized to make grants to institutions of higher education and other public and private nonprofit institutions and organizations to provide training for staff and leadership personnel employed in, participating in, or preparing for employment in, such programs and projects. (b) Contents of training programsSuch training shall include conferences, internships, seminars, workshops, and the publication of manuals designed to improve the operation of such programs and projects and shall be carried out in the various regions of the Nation in order to ensure that the training opportunities are appropriate to meet the needs in the local areas being served by such programs and projects. Such training shall be offered annually for new directors of projects funded under this division as well as annually on the following topics and other topics chosen by the Secretary:(1) Legislative and regulatory requirements for the operation of programs funded under this division. (2) Assisting students in receiving adequate financial aid from programs assisted under this subchapter and other programs. (3) The design and operation of model programs for projects funded under this division. (4) The use of appropriate educational technology in the operation of projects assisted under this division. (5) Strategies for recruiting and serving hard to reach populations, including students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths (as such term is defined in section 11434a of title 42), students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, or other disconnected students. (c) ConsultationGrants for the purposes of this section shall be made only after consultation with regional and State professional associations of persons having special knowledge with respect to the needs and problems of such programs and projects.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–18 Reports, evaluations, and grants for project improvement and dissemination

(a) Reports to the authorizing committees(1) In generalThe Secretary shall submit annually, to the authorizing committees, a report that documents the performance of all programs funded under this division. Such report shall—(A) be submitted not later than 12 months after the eligible entities receiving funds under this division are required to report their performance to the Secretary; (B) focus on the programs’ performance on the relevant outcome criteria determined under section 1070a–11(f)(4) of this title; (C) aggregate individual project performance data on the outcome criteria in order to provide national performance data for each program; (D) include, when appropriate, descriptive data, multi-year data, and multi-cohort data; and (E) include comparable data on the performance nationally of low-income students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. (2) InformationThe Secretary shall provide, with each report submitted under paragraph (1), information on the impact of the secondary review process described in section 1070a–11(c)(8)(C)(iv) of this title, including the number and type of secondary reviews, the disposition of the secondary reviews, the effect on timing of awards, and any other information the Secretary determines is necessary. (b) Evaluations(1) In general(A) Authorization of grants and contractsFor the purpose of improving the effectiveness of the programs and projects assisted under this division, the Secretary shall make grants to, or enter into contracts with, institutions of higher education and other public and private institutions and organizations to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of the programs and projects assisted under this division, including a rigorous evaluation of the programs and projects assisted under section 1070a–13 of this title. The evaluation of the programs and projects assisted under section 1070a–13 of this title shall be implemented not later than June 30, 2010. (B) Content of upward bound evaluationThe evaluation of the programs and projects assisted under section 1070a–13 of this title that is described in subparagraph (A) shall examine the characteristics of the students who benefit most from the Upward Bound program under section 1070a–13 of this title and the characteristics of the programs and projects that most benefit students. (C) ImplementationEach evaluation described in this paragraph shall be implemented in accordance with the requirements of this section. (2) Practices(A) In generalThe evaluations described in paragraph (1) shall identify institutional, community, and program or project practices that are effective in—(i) enhancing the access of low-income individuals and first-generation college students to postsecondary education; (ii) the preparation of such individuals and students for postsecondary education; and (iii) fostering the success of the individuals and students in postsecondary education. (B) Primary purposeAny evaluation conducted under this division shall have as the evaluation’s primary purpose the identification of particular practices that further the achievement of the outcome criteria determined under section 1070a–11(f)(4) of this title. (C) Dissemination and use of evaluation findingsThe Secretary shall disseminate to eligible entities and make available to the public the practices identified under subparagraph (B). The practices may be used by eligible entities that receive assistance under this division after the dissemination. (3) Special rule related to evaluation participationThe Secretary shall not require an eligible entity, as a condition for receiving, or that receives, assistance under any program or project under this division to participate in an evaluation under this section that—(A) requires the eligible entity to recruit additional students beyond those the program or project would normally recruit; or (B) results in the denial of services for an eligible student under the program or project. (4) ConsiderationWhen designing an evaluation under this subsection, the Secretary shall continue to consider—(A) the burden placed on the program participants or the eligible entity; and (B) whether the evaluation meets generally accepted standards of institutional review boards. (c) GrantsThe Secretary may award grants to institutions of higher education or other private and public institutions and organizations, that are carrying out a program or project assisted under this division prior to October 7, 1998, to enable the institutions and organizations to expand and leverage the success of such programs or projects by working in partnership with other institutions, community-based organizations, or combinations of such institutions and organizations, that are not receiving assistance under this division and are serving low-income students and first generation college students, in order to—(1) disseminate and replicate best practices of programs or projects assisted under this division; and (2) provide technical assistance regarding programs and projects assisted under this division. (d) ResultsIn order to improve overall program or project effectiveness, the results of evaluations and grants described in this section shall be disseminated by the Secretary to similar programs or projects assisted under this subpart, as well as other individuals concerned with postsecondary access for and retention of low-income individuals and first-generation college students.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–21 Early intervention and college awareness program authorized

(a) Program authorizedThe Secretary is authorized, in accordance with the requirements of this division, to establish a program that encourages eligible entities to provide support, and maintain a commitment, to eligible low-income students, including students with disabilities, to assist the students in obtaining a secondary school diploma (or its recognized equivalent) and to prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education, by providing—(1) financial assistance, academic support, additional counseling, mentoring, outreach, and supportive services to secondary school students, including students with disabilities, to reduce—(A) the risk of such students dropping out of school; or (B) the need for remedial education for such students at the postsecondary level; and (2) information to students and their families about the advantages of obtaining a postsecondary education and, college financing options for the students and their families. (b) Awards(1) In generalFrom funds appropriated under section 1070a–28 of this title for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall make awards to eligible entities described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c) to enable the entities to carry out the program authorized under subsection (a). (2) Award periodThe Secretary may award a grant under this division to an eligible entity described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c) for—(A) six years; or (B) in the case of an eligible entity that applies for a grant under this division for seven years to enable the eligible entity to provide services to a student through the student’s first year of attendance at an institution of higher education, seven years. (3) PriorityIn making awards to eligible entities described in subsection (c)(1), the Secretary shall—(A) give priority to eligible entities that—(i) on the day before August 14, 2008, carried out successful educational opportunity programs under this division (as this division was in effect on such day); and (ii) have a prior, demonstrated commitment to early intervention leading to college access through collaboration and replication of successful strategies; and (B) ensure that students served under this division on the day before August 14, 2008, continue to receive assistance through the completion of secondary school. (c) “Eligible entity” definedFor the purposes of this division, the term “eligible entity” means—(1) a State; or (2) a partnership—(A) consisting of—(i) one or more local educational agencies; and (ii) one or more degree granting institutions of higher education; and (B) which may include not less than two other community organizations or entities, such as businesses, professional organizations, State agencies, institutions or agencies sponsoring programs authorized under subpart 4, or other public or private agencies or organizations.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–22 Requirements

(a) Funding rulesIn awarding grants from the amount appropriated under section 1070a–28 of this title for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall make available—(1) to eligible entities described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title, not less than 33 percent of such amount; (2) to eligible entities described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title, not less than 33 percent of such amount; and (3) to eligible entities described in paragraph (1) or (2) of section 1070a–21(c) of this title, the remainder of such amount taking into consideration the number, quality, and promise of the applications for the grants, and, to the extent practicable—(A) the geographic distribution of such grant awards; and (B) the distribution of such grant awards between urban and rural applicants. (b) CoordinationEach eligible entity shall ensure that the activities assisted under this division are, to the extent practicable, coordinated with, and complement and enhance—(1) services under this division provided by other eligible entities serving the same school district or State; and (2) related services under other Federal or non-Federal programs. (c) Designation of fiscal agentAn eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title shall designate an institution of higher education or a local educational agency as the fiscal agent for the eligible entity. (d) Cohort approach(1) In generalThe Secretary shall require that eligible entities described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title—(A) provide services under this division to at least one grade level of students, beginning not later than 7th grade, in a participating school that has a 7th grade and in which at least 50 percent of the students enrolled are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act [42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.] (or, if an eligible entity determines that it would promote the effectiveness of a program, an entire grade level of students, beginning not later than the 7th grade, who reside in public housing as defined in section 1437a(b)(1) of title 42); (B) ensure that the services are provided through the 12th grade to students in the participating grade level and provide the option of continued services through the student’s first year of attendance at an institution of higher education to the extent the provision of such services was described in the eligible entity’s application for assistance under this division; and (C) provide services under this division to students who have received services under a previous GEAR UP grant award but have not yet completed the 12th grade. (2) Coordination requirementIn order for the Secretary to require the cohort approach described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, where applicable, ensure that the cohort approach is done in coordination and collaboration with existing early intervention programs and does not duplicate the services already provided to a school or community. (e) Supplement, not supplantGrant funds awarded under this division shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, State, and local funds that would otherwise be expended to carry out activities assisted under this division.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–23 Applications

(a) Application required for eligibility(1) In generalIn order for an eligible entity to qualify for a grant under this division, the eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application for carrying out the program under this division. (2) ContentsEach application submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be in such form, contain or be accompanied by such information or assurances, and be submitted at such time as the Secretary may reasonably require. Each such application shall, at a minimum—(A) describe the activities for which assistance under this division is sought, including how the eligible entity will carry out the required activities described in section 1070a–24(a) of this title; (B) describe, in the case of an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title that chooses to provide scholarships, or an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title, how the eligible entity will meet the requirements of section 1070a–25 of this title; (C) describe, in the case of an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title that requests a reduced match percentage under subsection (b)(2), how such reduction will assist the entity to provide the scholarships described in subsection (b)(2)(A)(ii); (D) provide assurances that adequate administrative and support staff will be responsible for coordinating the activities described in section 1070a–24 of this title; (E) provide assurances that activities assisted under this division will not displace an employee or eliminate a position at a school assisted under this division, including a partial displacement such as a reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits; (F) describe, in the case of an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title that chooses to use a cohort approach, or an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title, how the eligible entity will define the cohorts of the students served by the eligible entity pursuant to section 1070a–22(d) of this title, and how the eligible entity will serve the cohorts through grade 12, including—(i) how vacancies in the program under this division will be filled; and (ii) how the eligible entity will serve students attending different secondary schools; (G) describe how the eligible entity will coordinate programs under this division with other existing Federal, State, or local programs to avoid duplication and maximize the number of students served; (H) provide such additional assurances as the Secretary determines necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of this division; (I) provide information about the activities that will be carried out by the eligible entity to support systemic changes from which future cohorts of students will benefit; and (J) describe the sources of matching funds that will enable the eligible entity to meet the matching requirement described in subsection (b). (b) Matching requirement(1) In generalThe Secretary shall not approve an application submitted under subsection (a) unless such application—(A) provides that the eligible entity will provide, from State, local, institutional, or private funds, not less than 50 percent of the cost of the program, which matching funds may be provided in cash or in kind and may be accrued over the full duration of the grant award period, except that the eligible entity shall make substantial progress towards meeting the matching requirement in each year of the grant award period; (B) specifies the methods by which matching funds will be paid; and (C) includes provisions designed to ensure that funds provided under this division shall supplement and not supplant funds expended for existing programs. (2) Special ruleNotwithstanding the matching requirement described in paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary may by regulation modify the percentage requirement described in paragraph (1)(A) for eligible entities described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title. The Secretary may approve an eligible entity’s request for a reduced match percentage—(A) at the time of application—(i) if the eligible entity demonstrates significant economic hardship that precludes the eligible entity from meeting the matching requirement; or (ii) if the eligible entity is described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title and requests that contributions to the eligible entity’s scholarship fund established under section 1070a–25 of this title be matched on a two to one basis; or (B) in response to a petition by an eligible entity subsequent to a grant award under this section if the eligible entity demonstrates that the matching funds described in its application are no longer available and the eligible entity has exhausted all revenues for replacing such matching funds. (c) Methods for complying with matching requirementAn eligible entity may count toward the matching requirement described in subsection (b)(1)(A)—(1) the amount of the financial assistance obligated to students from State, local, institutional, or private funds under this division, including pre-existing non-Federal financial assistance programs, including—(A) the amount contributed to a student scholarship fund established under section 1070a–25 of this title; and (B) the amount of the costs of administering the scholarship program under section 1070a–25 of this title; (2) the amount of tuition, fees, room or board waived or reduced for recipients of financial assistance under this division; (3) the amount expended on documented, targeted, long-term mentoring and counseling provided by volunteers or paid staff of nonschool organizations, including businesses, religious organizations, community groups, postsecondary educational institutions, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, and other organizations; and (4) other resources recognized by the Secretary, including equipment and supplies, cash contributions from non-Federal sources, transportation expenses, in-kind or discounted program services, indirect costs, and facility usage. (d) Peer review panelsThe Secretary shall convene peer review panels to assist in making determinations regarding the awarding of grants under this division.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–24 Activities

(a) Required activitiesEach eligible entity receiving a grant under this division shall provide comprehensive mentoring, outreach, and supportive services to students participating in the programs under this division. Such activities shall include the following:(1) Providing information regarding financial aid for postsecondary education to participating students in the cohort described in section 1070a–22(d)(1)(A) of this title or to priority students described in subsection (d). (2) Encouraging student enrollment in rigorous and challenging curricula and coursework, in order to reduce the need for remedial coursework at the postsecondary level. (3) Improving the number of participating students who—(A) obtain a secondary school diploma; and (B) complete applications for and enroll in a program of postsecondary education. (4) In the case of an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title, providing for the scholarships described in section 1070a–25 of this title. (b) Permissible activities for States and partnershipsAn eligible entity that receives a grant under this division may use grant funds to carry out one or more of the following activities:(1) Providing tutors and mentors, who may include adults or former participants of a program under this division, for eligible students. (2) Conducting outreach activities to recruit priority students described in subsection (d) to participate in program activities. (3) Providing supportive services to eligible students. (4) Supporting the development or implementation of rigorous academic curricula, which may include college preparatory, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate programs, and providing participating students access to rigorous core academic courses that reflect challenging State academic standards. (5) Supporting dual or concurrent enrollment programs between the secondary school and institution of higher education partners of an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title, and other activities that support participating students in—(A) meeting challenging State academic standards; (B) successfully applying for postsecondary education; (C) successfully applying for student financial aid; and (D) developing graduation and career plans. (6) Providing special programs or tutoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. (7) In the case of an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title, providing support for scholarships described in section 1070a–25 of this title. (8) Introducing eligible students to institutions of higher education, through trips and school-based sessions. (9) Providing an intensive extended school day, school year, or summer program that offers—(A) additional academic classes; or (B) assistance with college admission applications. (10) Providing other activities designed to ensure secondary school completion and postsecondary education enrollment of at-risk children, such as—(A) the identification of at-risk children; (B) after-school and summer tutoring; (C) assistance to at-risk children in obtaining summer jobs; (D) academic counseling; (E) financial literacy and economic literacy education or counseling; (F) volunteer and parent involvement; (G) encouraging former or current participants of a program under this division to serve as peer counselors; (H) skills assessments; (I) personal and family counseling, and home visits; (J) staff development; and (K) programs and activities described in this subsection that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient. (11) Enabling eligible students to enroll in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses, or college entrance examination preparation courses. (12) Providing services to eligible students in the participating cohort described in section 1070a–22(d)(1)(A) of this title, through the first year of attendance at an institution of higher education. (13) Fostering and improving parent and family involvement in elementary and secondary education by promoting the advantages of a college education, and emphasizing academic admission requirements and the need to take college preparation courses, through parent engagement and leadership activities. (14) Disseminating information that promotes the importance of higher education, explains college preparation and admission requirements, and raises awareness of the resources and services provided by the eligible entities to eligible students, their families, and communities. (15) In the event that matching funds described in the application are no longer available, engaging entities described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title in a collaborative manner to provide matching resources and participate in other activities authorized under this section. (c) Additional permissible activities for StatesIn addition to the required activities described in subsection (a) and the permissible activities described in subsection (b), an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title receiving funds under this division may use grant funds to carry out one or more of the following activities:(1) Providing technical assistance to—(A) secondary schools that are located within the State; or (B) partnerships described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title that are located within the State. (2) Providing professional development opportunities to individuals working with eligible cohorts of students described in section 1070a–22(d)(1)(A) of this title. (3) Providing administrative support to help build the capacity of eligible entities described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title to compete for and manage grants awarded under this division. (4) Providing strategies and activities that align efforts in the State to prepare eligible students to attend and succeed in postsecondary education, which may include the development of graduation and career plans. (5) Disseminating information on the use of scientifically valid research and best practices to improve services for eligible students. (6)(A) Disseminating information on effective coursework and support services that assist students in obtaining the goals described in subparagraph (B)(ii). (B) Identifying and disseminating information on best practices with respect to—(i) increasing parental involvement; and (ii) preparing students, including students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient, to succeed academically in, and prepare financially for, postsecondary education. (7) Working to align State academic standards and curricula with the expectations of postsecondary institutions and employers. (8) Developing alternatives to traditional secondary school that give students a head start on attaining a recognized postsecondary credential (including an industry-recognized certificate, an apprenticeship, or an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree), including school designs that give students early exposure to college-level courses and experiences and allow students to earn transferable college credits or an associate’s degree at the same time as a secondary school diploma. (9) Creating community college programs for drop-outs that are personalized drop-out recovery programs that allow drop-outs to complete a regular secondary school diploma and begin college-level work. (d) Priority studentsFor eligible entities not using a cohort approach, the eligible entity shall treat as a priority student any student in secondary school who is—(1) eligible to be counted under section 6333(c) of this title; (2) eligible for assistance under a State program funded under part A or E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 670 et seq.); (3) eligible for assistance under subtitle B of title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.); or (4) otherwise considered by the eligible entity to be a disconnected student. (e) Allowable providersIn the case of eligible entities described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title, the activities required by this section may be provided by service providers such as community-based organizations, schools, institutions of higher education, public and private agencies, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, businesses, institutions and agencies sponsoring programs authorized under subpart 4, and other organizations the State determines appropriate.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–25 Scholarship component

(a) In general(1) StatesIn order to receive a grant under this division, an eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title shall establish or maintain a financial assistance program that awards scholarships to students in accordance with the requirements of this section. The Secretary shall encourage the eligible entity to ensure that a scholarship provided pursuant to this section is available to an eligible student for use at any institution of higher education. (2) PartnershipsAn eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(2) of this title may award scholarships to eligible students in accordance with the requirements of this section. (b) Limitation(1) In generalSubject to paragraph (2), each eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title that receives a grant under this division shall use not less than 25 percent and not more than 50 percent of the grant funds for activities described in section 1070a–24 of this title (except for the activity described in subsection (a)(4) of such section), with the remainder of such funds to be used for a scholarship program under this section in accordance with such subsection. (2) ExceptionNotwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary may allow an eligible entity to use more than 50 percent of grant funds received under this division for such activities, if the eligible entity demonstrates that the eligible entity has another means of providing the students with the financial assistance described in this section and describes such means in the application submitted under section 1070a–23 of this title. (c) Notification of eligibilityEach eligible entity providing scholarships under this section shall provide information on the eligibility requirements for the scholarships to all participating students upon the students’ entry into the programs assisted under this division. (d) Grant amountsThe maximum amount of a scholarship that an eligible student shall be eligible to receive under this section shall be established by the eligible entity. The minimum amount of the scholarship for each fiscal year shall not be less than the minimum Federal Pell Grant award under section 1070a of this title for such award year. (e) Portability of assistance(1) In generalEach eligible entity described in section 1070a–21(c)(1) of this title that receives a grant under this division shall hold in reserve, for the students served by such grant as described in section 1070a–22(d)(1)(A) or 1070a–24(d) of this title, an amount that is not less than the minimum scholarship amount described in subsection (d), multiplied by the number of students the eligible entity estimates will meet the requirements of paragraph (2). (2) Requirement for portabilityFunds held in reserve under paragraph (1) shall be made available to an eligible student when the eligible student has—(A) completed a secondary school diploma, its recognized equivalent, or another recognized alternative standard for individuals with disabilities; and (B) enrolled in an institution of higher education. (3) Qualified educational expensesFunds available to an eligible student under this subsection may be used for—(A) tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the enrollment or attendance of the eligible student at an institution of higher education; and (B) in the case of an eligible student with special needs, expenses for special needs services that are incurred in connection with such enrollment or attendance. (4) Return of funds(A) Redistribution(i) In generalFunds held in reserve under paragraph (1) that are not used by an eligible student within six years of the student’s scheduled completion of secondary school may be redistributed by the eligible entity to other eligible students. (ii) Return of excess to the SecretaryIf, after meeting the requirements of paragraph (1) and, if applicable, redistributing excess funds in accordance with clause (i) of this subparagraph, an eligible entity has funds held in reserve under paragraph (1) that remain available, the eligible entity shall return such remaining reserved funds to the Secretary for distribution to other grantees under this division in accordance with the funding rules described in section 1070a–22(a) of this title. (B) Nonparticipating entityNotwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of an eligible entity that does not receive assistance under this subpart for six fiscal years, the eligible entity shall return any funds held in reserve under paragraph (1) that are not awarded or obligated to eligible students to the Secretary for distribution to other grantees under this division. (f) Relation to other assistanceScholarships provided under this section shall not be considered for the purpose of awarding Federal grant assistance under this subchapter, except that in no case shall the total amount of student financial assistance awarded to a student under this subchapter exceed such student’s total cost of attendance. (g) Eligible studentsA student eligible for assistance under this section is a student who—(1) is less than 22 years old at time of first scholarship award under this section; (2) receives a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent on or after January 1, 1993; (3) is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program of undergraduate instruction at an institution of higher education that is located within the State’s boundaries, except that, at the State’s option, an eligible entity may offer scholarship program portability for recipients who attend institutions of higher education outside such State; and (4) who participated in the activities required under section 1070a–24(a) of this title.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–26 21st Century Scholar Certificates

(a) In generalAn eligible entity that receives a grant under this division shall provide certificates, to be known as 21st Century Scholar Certificates, to all students served by the eligible entity who are participating in a program under this division. (b) Information requiredA 21st Century Scholar Certificate shall be personalized for each student and indicate the amount of Federal financial aid for college and the estimated amount of any scholarship provided under section 1070a–25 of this title, if applicable, that a student may be eligible to receive.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–27 Evaluation and report

(a) EvaluationEach eligible entity receiving a grant under this division shall biennially evaluate the activities assisted under this division in accordance with the standards described in subsection (b) and shall submit to the Secretary a copy of such evaluation. The evaluation shall permit service providers to track eligible student progress during the period such students are participating in the activities and shall be consistent with the standards developed by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (b). (b) Evaluation standardsThe Secretary shall prescribe standards for the evaluation described in subsection (a). Such standards shall—(1) provide for input from eligible entities and service providers; and (2) ensure that data protocols and procedures are consistent and uniform. (c) Federal evaluationIn order to evaluate and improve the impact of the activities assisted under this division, the Secretary shall, from not more than 0.75 percent of the funds appropriated under section 1070a–28 of this title for a fiscal year, award one or more grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to or with public and private institutions and organizations, to enable the institutions and organizations to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and, as appropriate, disseminate the results of the evaluation. Such evaluation shall include a separate analysis of—(1) the implementation of the scholarship component described in section 1070a–25 of this title; and (2) the use of methods for complying with matching requirements described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 1070a–23(c) of this title. (d) ReportThe Secretary shall biennially report to Congress regarding the activities assisted under this division and the evaluations conducted pursuant to this section.

20 U.S.C. § 1070a–28 Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this division $400,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.