HB 326 Summary

• Establishes the Delaware Advance Scholarship Program (SUBCHAPTER XVI) to provide grants for tuition to Delaware residents with intellectual disabilities pursuing credentials at state-funded institutions offering comprehensive transition and postsecondary (CTP) programs.

• Eligibility requirements include being under 25 years old, having an intellectual disability, meeting state residency requirements, graduating from a Delaware high school with a diploma or certificate of completion, enrolling within 2 years of high school completion, and having no felony convictions.

• Grant awards cover full tuition costs or the difference between tuition and other available financial aid (excluding loans), with grants not to exceed total amounts awarded under the Delaware Student Excellence Equals Degree Act to the same student.

• Students must maintain eligibility by making steady academic progress (minimum 24 credit hours or 300 clock hours annually), maintaining continuous enrollment for at least 2 semesters per academic year, and meeting satisfactory academic progress standards; participation limited to 6 continuous semesters and 5 years maximum to attain a credential.

• Institutions administer the program, establish prioritization procedures if funding is insufficient, report annually to the Controller General, and develop public awareness campaigns; the Department of Education ensures each high school designates at least one program contact person.