(1) The board shall work with institutions of higher education to assure that the institutions are aware of the eligibility of opportunity internship graduates for an award under this chapter.

     (2) If an opportunity internship graduate enrolls within one year of high school graduation in a postsecondary program of study in an institution of higher education, including in an apprenticeship program with related and supplemental instruction provided through an institution of higher education, the graduate is eligible to receive a state need grant for up to one year. The graduate shall not be required to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis. The related and supplemental instruction provided to a graduate through an apprenticeship program shall not be required to lead to a degree or certificate.

     (3) Except for the eligibility criteria for an opportunity internship graduate that are provided under this section, other rules pertaining to award of a state need grant apply.

     (4) Nothing in this section precludes an opportunity internship graduate from being eligible to receive additional state need grants after the one-year grant provided in this section if the graduate meets other criteria as a needy or disadvantaged student.

[2009 c 238 § 8.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- Intent -- 2009 c 238: See note following RCW 28C.18.160.