8VAC40-180-20. Application procedures and eligibility criteria for an initial award.
A. In order to apply for the program, the student must:
1. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the participating institution's priority filing date or deadline and complete the verification process, if applicable;
2. Be accepted into an associate-degree-granting public institution of higher education or baccalaureate public institution of higher education; and
3. Ensure that a document on official Department of Social Services letterhead providing dates in foster care, and if applicable, an adoption assistance agreement verifying special needs adoption, is sent to the institution's financial aid office.
B. To be eligible for an award, the student must:
1. Be a foster child as supported by documentation from the Department of Social Services that includes either (i) dates in foster care or (ii) assistance received for a special needs adoption. For the purposes of this chapter, "foster child" means one who was in foster care at the time they received their high school diploma or general education diploma (GED); in the custody of a social service agency or a special needs adoption at the time they received their high school diploma or GED; or was formerly in foster care when turning age 18 years and subsequently received a high school diploma or GED;
2. Have at least half-time enrollment in an eligible program;
3. Be a domiciliary resident of Virginia. For the purposes of this chapter, "domiciliary resident of Virginia" means a student who is determined by a participating institution to meet the eligibility requirements specified by § 23.1-502 et seq. of the Code of Virginia;
4. Maintain satisfactory academic progress;
5. Have not been previously enrolled as a full-time student for more than five years;
6. Not hold a bachelor's degree; and
7. Demonstrate financial need.
Statutory Authority
§ 23.1-601 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 36, Issue 4, eff. October 1, 2019.