20-3-497. Establishment of REACH scholarship; student requirements.

The Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen (REACH) Scholarship Program is hereby established. The scholarship program shall provide scholarships and support to eligible students who meet the following requirements:

Be a United States citizen or an eligible noncitizen for 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of classes of the spring term of the student’s seventh grade school year;#

Be enrolled in a REACH participating school system;#

Qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program or be a victim of human trafficking;#

Not have had more than two in-school suspensions during the two semesters or four quarters immediately preceding the spring term of the student’s seventh grade year;#

Not have any criminal or drug-related convictions;#

Not have more than five days of unexcused absences during any of the student’s middle school calendar years;#

Have his or her parents or guardians complete and submit a release of information form, as part of the application process, authorizing the school to provide the authority information related to the student’s participation in the program; and#

Demonstrate academic promise, as defined by the authority, taking into consideration grades, attendance, and behavior.#