(1) The higher education coordinating board may award scholarships to eligible students from the foster care scholarship endowment fund in RCW 28B.116.060, from funds appropriated to the board for this purpose, from any private donations, or from any other funds given to the board for the program.

     (2) The board may award scholarships to eligible students from moneys earned from the foster care scholarship endowment fund created in RCW 28B.116.060, or from funds appropriated to the board for this purpose, or from any private donations, or from any other funds given to the board for this program. For an undergraduate student, the amount of the scholarship shall not exceed the student's demonstrated financial need. For a graduate student, the amount of the scholarship shall not exceed the student's demonstrated need; or the stipend of a teaching assistant, including tuition, at the University of Washington; whichever is higher. In calculating a student's need, the board shall consider the student's costs for tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, room, board, personal expenses, and child care. The student's scholarship awarded under this chapter shall not exceed the amount received by a student attending a state research university. A student is eligible to receive a scholarship for a maximum of five years. However, the length of the scholarship shall be determined at the discretion of the board.

     (3) Grants under this chapter shall not affect eligibility for the state student financial aid program.

[2005 c 215 § 4.]