,,ii #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #fhf ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,march #f1 #bjai,mr4 ,cardin introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife to provide greater access to higher education for ,america's students1 to eliminate educational barriers for participation in a public service career1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,strengthening ,american ,communities ,act of #bjai4 #b4 ,purpose ,it is the purpose of this ,act to provide greater access to higher education for ,america's students1 to eliminate educational barriers for participation in a public service career by providing an opportunity for potential public servants to obtain an undergraduate education1 and to establish an accelerated form of the public service loan forgiveness program for more immediate loan forgiveness for existing public servants holding ,federal ,direct ,stafford ,loans1 ,federal ,direct ,unsubsidized ,stafford ,loans1 and ,federal ,direct ,,plus ,loans4 ,i ,america's ,college ,promise #aja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,america's ,college ,promise ,act of #bjai4 #ajb4 ,purpose ,the purpose of this title is to help all individuals of the ,united ,states earn the education and skills the individuals need-- 7#a7 by making #b years of community college free1 through a new partnership with ,states and ,indian ,tribes to help the ,states and ,indian ,tribes-- 7,a7 waive resident community college tuition and fees for eligible students2 7,b7 maintain ,state and ,indian ,tribe support for higher education2 and 7,c7 promote key reforms to improve student outcomes2 and 7#b7 through a new partnership with minority-serving institutions to-- 7,a7 encourage eligible students to enroll and successfully complete a baccalaureate degree at participating institutions2 and 7,b7 promote key reforms to improve student outcomes4 ,a ,state and ,indian ,tribe ,grants for ,community ,colleges #aaa4 ,in general ,from amounts appropriated under section #aag7;a7 for any fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall award grants to eligible ,states and ,indian ,tribes to pay the ,federal share of expenditures needed to carry out the activities and services described in section #aae4 #aab4 ,federal share2 non-,federal share 7a7 ,federal share 7#a7 ,formula ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 the ,federal share of a grant under this subtitle shall be based on a formula1 determined by the ,secretary1 that-- 7,a7 accounts for the ,state or ,indian ,tribe's share of eligible students2 and 7,b7 provides1 for each eligible student in the ,state or ,indian ,tribe1 a per-student amount that is-- 7i7 not less than #cjj percent of the per-student amount of the ,state or ,indian ,tribe share1 determined under subsection 7b71 subject to clause 7ii72 and 7ii7 not greater than #ge percent of-- 7,i7 for the #bjah-bjai award year1 the average resident community college tuition and fees per student in all ,states for the most recent year for which data are available2 and 7,,ii7 for each subsequent award year1 the average resident community college tuition and fees per student in all ,states calculated under this subclause for the preceding year1 increased by the lesser of-- 7aa7 the percentage by which the average resident community college tuition and fees per student in all ,states for the most recent year for which data are available increased as compared to such average for the preceding year2 or 7bb7 #c percent4 7#b7 ,exception for certain indian tribes ,in any case in which not less than #ge percent of the students at the community colleges operated or controlled by an ,indian ,tribe are low-income students1 the amount of the ,federal share for such ,indian ,tribe shall be not less than #ie percent of the total amount needed to waive tuition and fees for all eligible students enrolled in such community colleges4 7b7 ,state or tribal share 7#a7 ,formula 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,state or ,tribal share of a grant under this subtitle for each fiscal year shall be the amount needed to pay #be percent of the average community college resident tuition and fees per student in all ,states in the #bjah-bjai award year for all eligible students in the ,state or ,indian ,tribe1 respectively1 for such fiscal year1 except as provided in subparagraph 7,b74 7,b7 ,exception for certain indian tribes ,in a case in which not less than #e percent of the students at the community colleges operated or controlled by an ,indian ,tribe are low-income students1 the amount of such ,indian ,tribe's tribal share shall not exceed #e percent of the total amount needed to waive tuition and fees for all eligible students enrolled in such community colleges4 7#b7 ,need-based aid ,a ,state or ,indian ,tribe may include any need-based financial aid provided through ,state or ,tribal funds to eligible students as part of the ,state or ,tribal share4 7#c7 ,no in-kind contributions ,a ,state or ,indian ,tribe shall not include in-kind contributions for purposes of the ,state or ,tribal share described in paragraph 7#a74 #aac4 ,eligibility ,to be eligible for a grant under this subtitle1 a ,state or ,indian ,tribe shall agree to waive community college resident tuition and fees for all eligible students for each year of the grant4 #aad4 ,applications 7a7 ,submission ,for each fiscal year for which a ,state or ,indian ,tribe desires a grant under this subtitle1 an application shall be submitted to the ,secretary at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 ,such application shall be submitted by-- 7#a7 in the case of a ,state1 the ,governor1 the ,state agency with jurisdiction over higher education1 or another agency designated by the ,governor to administer the program under this subtitle2 or 7#b7 in the case of an ,indian ,tribe1 the governing body of such ,tribe4 7b7 ,contents ,each ,state or ,indian ,tribe application shall include1 at a minimum-- 7#a7 an estimate of the number of eligible students in the ,state or ,indian ,tribe and the cost of waiving community college resident tuition and fees for all eligible students for each fiscal year covered by the grant1 with annual increases of an amount that shall not exceed #c percent of the prior year's average resident community college tuition and fees2 7#b7 an assurance that all community colleges in the ,state or under the jurisdiction of the ,indian ,tribe1 respectively1 will waive resident tuition and fees for eligible students in programs that are-- 7,a7 academic programs with credits that can fully transfer via articulation agreement toward a baccalaureate degree or postbaccalaureate degree at any public institution of higher education in the ,state2 or 7,b7 occupational skills training programs that lead to a recognized postsecondary credential that is in an in-demand industry sector or occupation in the ,state2 7#c7 a description of the promising and evidence-based institutional reforms and innovative practices to improve student outcomes1 including completion or transfer rates1 that have been or will be adopted by the participating community colleges1 such as-- 7,a7 providing comprehensive academic and student support services1 including mentoring and advising1 especially for low-income1 first-generation1 adult1 and other underrepresented students2 7,b7 providing accelerated learning opportunities1 such as dual or concurrent enrollment programs1 including early college high school programs2 7,c7 advancing competency-based education2 7,d7 strengthening remedial education1 especially for low-income1 first-generation1 adult and other underrepresented students2 7,e7 implementing course redesigns of high-enrollment courses to improve student outcomes and reduce cost2 or 7,f7 utilizing career pathways or degree pathways2 7#d7 a description of how the ,state or ,indian ,tribe will promote alignment between its public secondary school and postsecondary education systems1 including between #b-year and #d-year public institutions of higher education and with minority-serving institutions described in section #cga7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfgq7a771 to expand awareness of and access to postsecondary education1 reduce the need for remediation and repeated coursework1 and improve student outcomes2 7#e7 a description of how the ,state or ,indian ,tribe will ensure that programs leading to a recognized postsecondary credential meet the quality criteria established by the ,state under section #abc7;a7 of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #caec7;a77 or other quality criteria determined appropriate by the ,state or ,indian ,tribe2 7#f7 an assurance that all participating community colleges in the ,state or under the authority of the ,indian ,tribe have entered into program participation agreements under section #dhg of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajid72 and 7#g7 an assurance that1 for each year of the grant1 the ,state or ,indian ,tribe will notify each eligible student of the student's remaining eligibility for assistance under this subtitle4 #aae4 ,allowable uses of funds 7a7 ,in general ,a ,state or ,indian ,tribe shall use a grant under this subtitle only to provide funds to participating community colleges to waive resident tuition and fees for eligible students who are enrolled in-- 7#a7 academic programs with credits that can fully transfer via articulation agreement toward a baccalaureate degree or postbaccalaureate degree at any public institution of higher education in the ,state2 or 7#b7 occupational skills training programs that lead to a recognized postsecondary credential that is in an in-demand industry sector or occupation in the ,state4 7b7 ,additional uses ,if a ,state or ,indian ,tribe demonstrates to the ,secretary that it has grant funds remaining after meeting the demand for activities described in subsection 7a71 the ,state or ,indian ,tribe may use those funds to carry out one or more of the following3 7#a7 ,expanding the waiver of resident tuition and fees at community college to students who are returning students or otherwise not enrolling in postsecondary education for the first time1 and who meet the student eligibility requirements of clauses 7i7 through 7v7 of section #aaf7e77;,a74 7#b7 ,expanding the scope and capacity of high-quality academic and occupational skills training programs at community colleges4 7#c7 ,improving postsecondary education readiness in the ,state or ,indian ,tribe1 through outreach and early intervention4 7#d7 ,expanding access to dual or concurrent enrollment programs1 including early college high school programs4 7#e7 ,improving affordability at #d-year public and private1 nonprofit institutions of higher education4 7c7 ,use of funds for administrative purposes ,a ,state or ,indian ,tribe that receives a grant under this subtitle may not use any funds provided under this subtitle for administrative purposes relating to the grant under this subtitle4 7d7 ,maintenance of effort required 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,state or ,indian ,tribe that receives a grant under this subtitle shall provide1 with respect to a fiscal year-- 7,a7 for public and private1 nonprofit institutions of higher education in such ,state or ,indian tribe an amount that is equal to or greater than the amount provided for non-capital and non-direct research and development expenses or costs by such ,state or ,indian tribe to such institutions of higher education during the preceding fiscal year for which satisfactory data are available2 and 7,b7 for student financial aid for paying costs associated with public and private1 nonprofit postsecondary education in such ,state or ,indian tribe an amount that is equal to or greater than the amount provided for student financial aid for paying costs associated with public and private1 nonprofit postsecondary education by such ,state or ,indian tribe in the preceding fiscal year for which satisfactory data are available4 7#b7 ,adjustments for biennial appropriations ,the ,secretary shall take into consideration any adjustments to the calculations under paragraph 7#a7 that may be required to accurately reflect funding levels in ,states or ,indian tribes with biennial appropriation cycles4 7#c7 ,waiver ,the ,secretary shall waive the requirements of paragraph 7#a7 if the ,secretary determines that such a waiver would be equitable due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances1 such as a natural disaster or a precipitous and unforeseen decline in the financial resources of a ,state or ,indian tribe1 as appropriate4 7#d7 ,violation of maintenance of effort ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary shall withhold from any ,state or ,indian tribe that violates paragraph 7#a7 and does not receive a waiver pursuant to paragraph 7#c7 any amount that would otherwise be available to the ,state or ,indian tribe under this ,act until such ,state or ,indian tribe has made significant efforts to correct such violation4 7e7 ,annual report 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,state or ,indian ,tribe receiving a grant under this subtitle shall submit an annual report to the ,secretary describing the uses of grant funds under this subtitle1 the progress made in fulfilling the requirements of the grant1 and rates of graduation1 transfer and attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials at participating community colleges1 and including any other information as the ,secretary may require4 7#b7 ,inclusion in ,,hea annual report ,at the discretion of the ,secretary1 the information required in the report under paragraph 7#a7 may be included in an annual report on higher education required under the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja et seq474 7f7 ,reporting by secretary ,the ,secretary annually shall-- 7#a7 compile and analyze the information described in subsection 7e72 and 7#b7 prepare and submit a report to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives containing the analysis described in paragraph 7#a7 and an identification of ,state and ,indian ,tribe best practices for achieving the purpose of this subtitle4 7g7 ,technical assistance ,the ,secretary shall provide technical assistance to eligible ,states and ,indian ,tribes concerning best practices regarding the promising and evidence-based institutional reforms and innovative practices to improve student outcomes as described in section #aad7;b77#c7 and shall disseminate such best practices among the ,states and ,indian ,tribes4 7h7 ,continuation of funding 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,state or ,indian ,tribe receiving a grant under this subtitle for a fiscal year may continue to receive funding under this title for future fiscal years conditioned on the availability of budget authority and on meeting the requirements of the grant1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,discontinuation ,the ,secretary may discontinue funding of the ,federal share of a grant under this subtitle if the ,state or ,indian ,tribe has violated the terms of the grant or is not making adequate progress in implementing the reforms described in the application submitted under section #aad4 #aaf4 ,definitions ,in this subtitle3 7#a7 ,career pathway ,the term career pathway has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 7#b7 ,community college ,the term community college means a public institution of higher education at which the highest degree that is predominantly awarded to students is an associate's degree1 including #b-year tribally controlled colleges under section #caf of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajei;c7 and public #b-year ,state institutions of higher education4 7#c7 ,dual or concurrent enrollment program ,the term dual or concurrent enrollment program has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#d7 ,early ,college ,high ,school ,the term early college high school has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#e7 ,eligible student 7,a7 ,definition ,the term eligible student means a student who-- 7i7 7,i7 enrolls in a community college after the date of enactment of this ,act2 or 7,,ii7 is enrolled in a community college as of the date of enactment of this ,act2 7ii7 attends the community college on not less than a half-time basis2 7iii7 is maintaining satisfactory progress1 as defined in section #dhd7;c7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajia7;c771 in the student's course of study2 7iv7 qualifies for resident tuition1 as determined by the ,state or ,indian ,tribe2 and 7v7 is enrolled in an eligible program described in section #aad7;b77#b74 7,b7 ,special rule ,an otherwise eligible student shall lose eligibility #c calendar years after first receiving benefits under this subtitle4 7#f7 ,in-demand industry sector or occupation ,the term in-demand industry sector or occupation has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 7#g7 ,indian tribe ,the term ,indian ,tribe has the meaning given the term 7without regard to capitalization7 in section #ajb7b7 of the ,federally ,recognized ,indian ,tribe ,list ,act of #aiid 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #eacj7b774 7#h7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja74 7#i7 ,recognized postsecondary credential ,the term recognized postsecondary credential has the meaning as described in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 7#aj7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,education4 7#aa7 ,state ,the term ,state has the meaning given the term in section #ajc of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjc74 #aag4 ,appropriations 7a7 ,authorization and appropriations ,for the purpose of making grants under this subtitle1 there are authorized to be appropriated1 and there are appropriated-- 7#a7 #a1eae1aej1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 7#b7 #c1ceb1bjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#c7 #d1bgg1idj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7#d7 #e1ihh1dej1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc2 7#e7 #g1hcg1gaj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbd2 7#f7 #h1igd1cej1jjj for fiscal year #bjbe2 7#g7 #aa1cjb1jbj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbf2 7#h7 #ad1dea1jij1jjj for fiscal year #bjbg2 7#i7 #ae1jgg1acj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbh2 and 7#aj7 #ae1gbi1haj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbi and each succeeding fiscal year4 7b7 ,availability ,funds appropriated under subsection 7a7 shall remain available to the ,secretary until expended4 7c7 ,insufficient funds ,if the amount appropriated under subsection 7a7 for a fiscal year is not sufficient to award each participating ,state and ,indian ,tribe a grant under this subtitle that is equal to the minimum amount of the ,federal share described in section #aab7;a71 the ,secretary may ratably reduce the amount of each such grant or take other actions necessary to ensure an equitable distribution of such amount4 ,b ,grants to ,historically ,black ,colleges and ,universities1 ,hispanic-,serving ,institutions1 ,asian ,american and ,native ,american ,pacific ,islander-,serving ,institutions1 ,tribal ,colleges and ,universities1 ,alaska ,native-,serving ,institutions1 ,native ,hawaiian-,serving ,institutions1 ,predominantly ,black ,institutions1 and ,native ,american-,serving ,nontribal ,institutions #aba4 ,pathways to student success for historically ,black colleges and universities 7a7 ,in general ,from amounts appropriated under section #abd7;a7 for any fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall award grants to participating #d-year historically ,black colleges or universities that meet the requirements of subsection 7b7 to-- 7#a7 encourage students to enroll and successfully complete a bachelor's degree at institutions eligible under subsection 7b72 7#b7 provide incentives to community college students to transfer to institutions eligible under subsection 7b7 through strong transfer pathways to complete a bachelor's degree program2 and 7#c7 support institutions eligible under subsection 7b7 to better serve new and existing students by engaging in reforms and innovations designed to improve completion rates and other student outcomes4 7b7 ,eligibility ,to be eligible to receive a grant under the program under this section1 an institution shall be a historically ,black college or university that-- 7#a7 has a student body of which not less than #ce percent are low-income students2 7#b7 commits to maintaining or adopting and implementing promising and evidence-based institutional reforms and innovative practices to improve the completion rates and other student outcomes1 such as-- 7,a7 providing comprehensive academic and student support services1 including mentoring and advising2 7,b7 providing accelerated learning opportunities and degree pathways1 such as dual or concurrent enrollment programs and pathways to graduate and professional degree programs2 7,c7 advancing distance and competency-based education2 7,d7 partnering with employers1 industry1 nonprofit associations1 and other groups to provide opportunities to advance learning outside the classroom1 including work-based learning opportunities such as internships or apprenticeships or programs designed to improve inter-cultural development and personal growth1 such as foreign exchange and study abroad programs2 7,e7 reforming remedial education1 especially for low-income students1 first generation college students1 adult students1 and other underrepresented students2 or 7,f7 implementing course redesigns of high-enrollment courses to improve student outcomes and reduce cost2 7#c7 sets performance goals for improving student outcomes for the duration of the grant2 and 7#d7 if receiving a grant for transfer students1 has articulation agreements with community colleges at the national1 ,state1 or local level to ensure that community college credits can fully transfer to the institution4 7c7 ,grant amount 7#a7 ,initial amount ,for the first year that an eligible institution1 as described in subsection 7b71 participates in the grant program under this section and subject to paragraph 7#c71 such eligible institution shall receive a grant in an amount based on the product of-- 7,a7 the actual cost of tuition and fees at the eligible institution in such year 7referred to in this section as the per-student rebate72 multiplied by 7,b7 the number of eligible students enrolled in the eligible institution for the preceding year4 7#b7 ,subsequent increases ,for each succeeding year after the first year of the grant program under this section1 each eligible institution1 as described in subsection 7b71 that participate in the grant program shall receive a grant in the amount determined under paragraph 7#a7 for such year1 except that in no case shall the amount of the per-student rebate for an eligible institution increase by more than #c percent as compared to the amount of such rebate for the preceding year4 7#c7 ,limitations 7,a7 ,maximum per-student rebate ,no eligible institution1 as described in subsection 7b71 participating in the grant program under this section shall receive a per-student rebate amount for any year that is greater than the national average of annual tuition and fees at public #d-year institutions of higher education for such year1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,first year tuition and fees ,during the first year of participation in the grant program under this section1 no eligible institution1 as described in subsection 7b71 may increase tuition and fees at a rate greater than any annual increase at the eligible institution in the previous #e years4 7d7 ,application ,an eligible institution1 as described in subsection 7b71 that desires a grant under this section shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 7e7 ,use of funds ,funds awarded under this section to an eligible institution1 as described in subsection 7b71 shall be used to waive or significantly reduce tuition and fees for eligible students in an amount of not more than up to the annual per-student rebate amount for each student1 for not more than the first #fj credits an eligible student enrolls in the eligible institution4 #abb4 ,pathways to ,student ,success for ,hispanic-,serving ,institutions1 ,asian ,american and ,native ,american ,pacific ,islander-,serving ,institutions1 ,tribal ,colleges and ,universities1 ,alaska ,native-,serving ,institutions1 ,native ,hawaiian-,serving ,institutions1 ,predominantly ,black ,institutions1 and ,native ,american-,serving ,nontribal ,institutions 7a7 ,in general ,from amounts appropriated under section #abd7;a7 for any fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall award grants to eligible #d-year minority-serving institutions to-- 7#a7 encourage students to enroll and successfully complete a bachelor's degree at institutions eligible under subsection 7b72 7#b7 provide incentives to community college students to transfer to institutions eligible under subsection 7b7 through strong transfer pathways to complete a bachelor's degree program2 and 7#c7 support institutions eligible under subsection 7b7 to better serve new and existing students by engaging in reforms and innovations designed to improve completion rates and other student outcomes4 7b7 ,institutional eligibility ,to be eligible to participate and receive a grant under this section1 an institution shall be a minority-serving institution with respect to which the majority of degrees awarded are baccalaureate degrees or higher that-- 7#a7 has a student body of which not less than #ce percent are low-income students2 7#b7 commits to maintaining or adopting and implementing promising and evidence-based institutional reforms and innovative practices to improve the completion rates and other student outcomes1 such as-- 7,a7 providing comprehensive academic and student support services1 including mentoring and advising2 7,b7 providing accelerated learning opportunities and degree pathways1 such as dual or concurrent enrollment programs and pathways to graduate and professional degree programs2 7,c7 advancing distance and competency-based education2 7,d7 partnering with employers1 industry1 nonprofit associations1 and other groups to provide opportunities to advance learning outside the classroom1 including work-based learning opportunities such as internships or apprenticeships or programs designed to improve inter-cultural development and personal growth1 such as foreign exchange and study abroad programs2 7,e7 reforming remedial education1 especially for low-income students1 first generation college students1 adult students1 and other underrepresented students2 and 7,f7 implementing course redesigns of high-enrollment courses to improve student outcomes and reduce cost2 7#c7 sets performance goals for improving student outcomes for the duration of the grant2 and 7#d7 if receiving a grant for transfer students1 has articulation agreements with community colleges at the national1 ,state1 or local levels to ensure that community college credits can fully transfer to the institution4 7c7 ,grant amount 7#a7 ,initial amount ,for the first year that an eligible institution1 as described in subsection 7b71 participates in the grant program under this section and subject to paragraph 7#c71 such eligible institution shall receive a grant in an amount based on the product of-- 7,a7 the actual cost of tuition and fees at the eligible institution in such year 7referred to in this section as the per-student rebate72 multiplied by 7,b7 the number of eligible students enrolled in the eligible institution for the preceding year4 7#b7 ,subsequent increases ,for each succeeding year after the first year of the grant program under this section1 each eligible institution1 as described in subsection 7b71 that participate in the grant program shall receive a grant in the amount determined under paragraph 7#a7 for such year1 except that in no case shall the amount of the per-student rebate increase by more than #c percent as compared to the amount of such rebate for the preceding year4 7#c7 ,limitations 7,a7 ,maximum per-student rebate ,no eligible institution1 as described in subsection 7b71 participating in the grant program under this section shall receive a per-student rebate amount for a grant year greater than the national average of public #d-year institutional tuition and fees1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,first year tuition and fees ,during the first year of participation in the grant program under this section1 no eligible institution1 as described in subsection 7b71 may increase tuition and fees at a rate greater than any annual increase made by the institution in the previous #e years4 7d7 ,application ,an eligible institution1 as described in subsection 7b71 shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time1 in such a manner1 and containing such information as determined by the ,secretary4 7e7 ,use of funds ,funds awarded under this section to an eligible institution1 as described in subsection 7b71 shall be used to waive or significantly reduce tuition and fees for eligible students in an amount of not more than up to the annual per-student rebate amount for each student1 for not more than the first #fj credits an eligible student enrolls in the eligible institution4 #abc4 ,definitions ,in this subtitle3 7#a7 ,eligible student 7,a7 ,definition ,the term eligible student means a student1 regardless of age1 who-- 7i7 7,i7 enrolls in a historically ,black college or university1 or minority-serving institution2 or 7,,ii7 transfers from a community college into a historically ,black college or university1 or minority-serving institution2 7ii7 attends the historically ,black college or university1 or minority serving institution1 on at least a half-time basis2 and 7iii7 is maintaining satisfactory progress1 as defined in section #dhd7;c7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajia7;c771 in the student's course of study4 7,b7 ,special rule ,an otherwise eligible student shall lose eligibility #c calendar years after first receiving benefits under this subtitle4 7#b7 ,historically black college or university ,the term historically ,black college or university means a part ,b institution described in section #cbb7b7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfa7b774 7#c7 ,low-income student ,the term low-income student-- 7,a7 shall include any student eligible for a ,federal ,pell ,grant under section #dja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajgj;a72 and 7,b7 may include a student ineligible for a ,federal ,pell ,grant under section #dja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajgj;a7 who is determined by the institution of higher education in which the student is enrolled to be a low-income student based on an analysis of the student's ability to afford the cost of attendance at the institution4 7#d7 ,minority-serving institution ,the term minority-serving institution means any public or nonprofit institution of higher education-- 7,a7 described in paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 of section #cga7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfgq7a772 and 7,b7 designated as a minority-serving institution by the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,education4 #abd4 ,appropriations 7a7 ,authorization and appropriations for ,,hbcu and ,,msi grants ,for the purpose of carrying out sections #aba and #abb1 there are authorized to be appropriated1 and there are appropriated-- 7#a7 #fa1jej1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 7#b7 #aii1hjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#c7 #a1ahi1ibj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7#d7 #a1bcg1fej1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc2 7#e7 #a1bhg1fjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbd2 7#f7 #a1cch1ffj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbe2 7#g7 #a1cei1gej1jjj for fiscal year #bjbf2 7#h7 #a1ddi1ffj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbg2 7#i7 #a1ejh1dij1jjj for fiscal year #bjbh2 and 7#aj7 #a1efi1edj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbi and each succeeding fiscal year4 7b7 ,availability ,funds appropriated under subsection 7a7 are to remain available to the ,secretary until expended4 7c7 ,insufficient funds ,if the amount appropriated under subsection 7a7 for a fiscal year is not sufficient to award each participating institution in the grant programs under sections #aba and #abb a grant under this subtitle that is equal to #ajj percent of the grant amount determined under sections #aba7;c7 and #abb7;c71 as applicable1 the ,secretary may ratably reduce the amount of each such grant or take other actions necessary to ensure an equitable distribution of such amount4 ,,ii ,national ,public ,service ,education ,grant ,program #bja4 ,national ,public ,service ,education ,grant ,program ,part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajgj et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #aa ,national ,public ,service ,education ,grant ,program #dbj,t4 ,national ,public ,service ,education ,grant ,program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,cost of attendance 7,a7 ,in general ,the term cost of attendance means tuition1 fees1 on-campus room and board1 books and supplies1 personal expenses1 and transportation4 7,b7 ,on-campus room and board ,the term on-campus room and board means-- 7i7 the cost to a student of a double room on campus2 and 7ii7 the cost of a resident student meal plan4 7#b7 ,eligible institution ,the term eligible institution means a public #d-year institution of higher education or a private1 nonprofit #d-year institution of higher education4 7#c7 ,eligible student ,the term eligible student means a student who-- 7,a7 has received an associate's degree or has earned not less than #fj credits toward a baccalaureate degree2 7,b7 is enrolled1 at an eligible institution awarded a grant under this section1 on a full-time basis in a course of study that will lead to employment in a public service job2 and 7,c7 has submitted a ,free ,application for ,federal ,student ,aid 7,,fafsa7 to the ,department4 7#d7 ,public service job ,the term public service job has the meaning given the term in section #dee7m77#c77;,b74 7b7 ,establishment of program ,the ,secretary shall establish a ,national ,public ,service ,education ,grant program to assist in paying for the cost of attendance for an undergraduate education to students who commit to work for not less than #c years in a public service job upon completion of their baccalaureate degree4 7c7 ,grants from the department to eligible institutions 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall award grants to eligible institutions to enable the eligible institutions to award grants to eligible students who commit to work for not less than #c years in a public service job upon completion of their baccalaureate degree4 7#b7 ,duration ,grants awarded to eligible institutions under this subsection shall be #e years in duration4 ,subject to subsection 7e71 such a grant may be extended for additional #e-year periods4 7#c7 ,amounts 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall award a grant to an eligible institution under this subsection for a fiscal year in an amount equal to the lesser of-- 7i7 the average annual cost of in-,state tuition1 fees1 and on-campus room and board in the ,state in which the institution is located at a public #d-year institution of higher education during the fiscal year multiplied by the number of eligible students enrolled at the institution who apply for a grant under this section during the fiscal year2 or 7ii7 the actual annual cost of tuition1 fees1 and on-campus room and board at the eligible institution during the fiscal year multiplied by the number of eligible students enrolled at the institution who apply for a grant under this section during the fiscal year4 7,b7 ,nontraditional calendar ,the calculation of the cost of tuition1 fees1 and on-campus room and board under subparagraph 7,a7 with respect to an eligible student who applies for a grant under this section for enrollment during the summer or other nontraditional period shall be the cost of the cost of tuition1 fees1 and on-campus room and board for such summer or other nontraditional period4 7#d7 ,applications ,the ,secretary shall design an application for eligible institutions to participate in the grant program under this subsection that includes a description of how the eligible institution1 if awarded a grant under this subsection1 will provide services to students as follows3 7,a7 ,provide comprehensive academic and student support services for eligible students awarded grants under this section1 including mentoring and advising1 particularly for first-generation and minority students4 7,b7 ,provide accelerated learning opportunities for eligible students awarded grants under this section to receive their baccalaureate degree and any required certificate or license to work in their respective public service job in less than #b years if an eligible student seeks to complete the degree in less than #b years4 7,c7 ,foster opportunities for eligible students awarded grants under this section to connect with potential public service job employers through the ,corporation for ,national and ,community ,service4 7,d7 ,any additional information determined necessary by the ,secretary4 7d7 ,grants to eligible students 7#a7 ,in general ,each eligible institution that receives a grant under subsection 7c7 shall award grants to eligible students enrolled at the institution4 7#b7 ,application ,an eligible student who desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the eligible institution that includes the following3 7,a7 ,an agreement to work for not less than #c years in a public service job upon completion of their baccalaureate degree4 7,b7 ,information that demonstrates that the student is an eligible student for purposes of section #dhd4 7,c7 ,information that demonstrates that the student has received counseling from the ,department that explains the terms and conditions of the grant award4 7,d7 ,any additional information determined necessary by the ,secretary4 7#c7 ,grant amount 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 an eligible institution shall award a grant to an eligible student enrolled at the institution for an academic year in an amount equal to the total grant amount received by the eligible institution under subsection 7c7 for the fiscal year preceding the academic year divided by the number of students to whom the eligible institution awards grants under this subsection for such academic year4 7,b7 ,nontraditional calendar ,an eligible institution shall award a grant to an eligible student who applies for a grant under this section for enrollment during the summer or other nontraditional period in an amount1 from the total grant amount received by the eligible institution under subsection 7c71 that is prorated to reflect the cost of tuition1 fees1 and on-campus room and board for such summer or other nontraditional period4 7#d7 ,cost of attendance beyond grant amount 7,a7 ,amounts not covered by ,,npseg grants 7i7 ,public institutions 7,i7 ,in general ,an eligible institution that is a public institution of higher education shall cover the excess costs to meet the difference between the in-,state tuition1 fees1 and on-campus room and board at the institution and the amount awarded to the eligible student through the grant award under paragraph 7#c71 through a combination of grant and work-study awards under this title for which the eligible student may be eligible1 campus-based aid programs1 ,state-based merit or need-based aid1 or other institutional-based merit- or need-based aid4 ,an eligible institution that is a public institution of higher education may cover1 with respect to an eligible student1 any amounts of the cost of attendance that are in excess of the total amount awarded to the eligible student through the grant award under paragraph 7#c7 and the amount of excess costs provided under this subclause based on the demonstrated financial need of the student4 7,,ii7 ,student contribution ,the eligible student shall be responsible for any amounts of the cost of attendance that are in excess of the total amount awarded to the eligible student through the grant award under paragraph 7#c7 and the amount of excess costs provided under subclause 7,i74 ,the eligible student may be eligible for ,federal student aid in accordance with subparagraph 7,b7 for the remaining cost of attendance amount for which the student is responsible4 7ii7 ,private institution 7,i7 ,matching amount 7aa7 ,in general ,an eligible institution that is a private1 nonprofit institution of higher education shall-- 7,,aa7 with respect to an eligible student described in item 7bb71 cover excess costs toward meeting an eligible student's cost of attendance in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of the grant award to the eligible student described in paragraph 7#c72 and 7,,bb7 with respect to an eligible student not described in item 7bb71 not be obligated to provide additional institutional-based financial aid to such student4 7bb7 ,eligible students ,an eligible student is described in this item if the student's 7or the student's parents' in the case of a dependent student7 adjusted gross income for the taxable year that is #a year prior to the taxable year that ends immediately prior to the beginning of the first award year of the program under this section is equal to or less than #abe1jjj1 indexed for inflation by regulation of the ,secretary4 7cc7 ,source of aid ,the required amount described in item 7aa77,,aa7 may be provided through a combination of grant and work-study awards under this title for which the eligible student may be eligible1 campus-based aid programs1 ,state-based merit or need-based aid1 or other institutional-based merit- or need-based aid4 7,,ii7 ,student contribution ,the eligible student shall be responsible for any amounts of the cost of attendance that are in excess of the total amount awarded to that eligible student through the grant award under paragraph 7#c7 and the amount of excess costs provided under subclause 7,i74 ,the eligible student may be eligible for ,federal student aid in accordance with subparagraph 7,b7 for the remaining cost of attendance amount for which the student is responsible4 7iii7 ,student choice ,an eligible student who receives a ,federal work-study award by an eligible institution to meet the cost of attendance beyond a grant awarded under this section may choose to decline the ,federal work-study award and take out a ,federal ,direct ,unsubsidized ,stafford ,loan4 ,an eligible institution shall be considered to have met the institution's responsibilities if a student chooses to take out such a loan in lieu of a ,federal work-study award4 7,b7 ,first dollar award ,an eligible institution shall consider the grant award under this subsection as the first dollar award1 to be available prior to other funds awarded by the ,department of ,education under this title1 the ,state involved1 or the institution4 7,c7 ,housing ,an eligible student who receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant amounts for off-campus housing but the student may not use such grant amounts for any amounts for such off-campus housing that are in excess of the cost of on-campus room and board4 7#e7 ,classes in nontraditional calendars ,an eligible student who receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant amounts for enrollment during any period of study4 7e7 ,institutional accountability 7#a7 ,in general ,each eligible institution that receives a grant under subsection 7c7 shall-- 7,a7 provide comprehensive academic and student support services for eligible students awarded grants under this section1 including mentoring and advising1 particularly for first-generation and minority students2 7,b7 provide accelerated learning opportunities for eligible students awarded grants under this section to receive their baccalaureate degree and any required certificate or license to work in their respective public service job in less than #b years if an eligible student seeks to complete the degree in less than #b years2 and 7,c7 foster opportunities for eligible students awarded grants under this section to connect with potential public service job employers through the ,corporation for ,national and ,community ,service4 7#b7 ,biennial report 7,a7 ,in general ,each eligible institution that receives a grant under subsection 7c7 shall submit a biennial report to the ,secretary describing the following3 7i7 ,academic and student support services offered to eligible students awarded grants under this section4 7ii7 ,such students' progress towards baccalaureate degree completion and graduation4 7iii7 ,outreach to potential public service job employers for the eligible students awarded grants under this section4 7,b7 ,continuing grant awards to eligible institutions ,the ,secretary may continue grant awards to an eligible institution under subsection 7c7 after the initial #e-year grant period for additional #e-year periods if-- 7i7 the institution complies with the requirements of paragraph 7#a72 and 7ii7 the eligible students awarded grants under this section who are enrolled at the institution have a baccalaureate degree graduation rate that meets or exceeds a rate determined appropriate by the ,secretary4 7,c7 ,discontinuing grant awards to eligible institutions 7i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may discontinue grant awards to an eligible institution under subsection 7c7 after the initial #e-year grant period based on the outcome of the biennial reports under subparagraph 7,a74 7ii7 ,notification ,prior to the ,secretary discontinuing a grant award under clause 7i71 the ,secretary shall notify the institution1 prior to the start of the #eth year of the #e-year grant period1 in a publically available format1 that the institution is1 or is potentially1 out of compliance with the requirements of the grant award and may have the institution's grant awards discontinued4 7iii7 ,modifications ,in the #eth year of the #e-year grant period1 an eligible institution may make modifications to the institution's grant program and appeal to the ,secretary for a renewal of the institution's grant4 7iv7 ,decision ,the ,secretary1 prior to the conclusion of the #e-year grant period1 shall render a decision on whether to continue grant awards to an eligible institution4 7v7 ,remaining responsibility ,if the ,secretary discontinues grant awards to an eligible institution under subsection 7c71 the institution shall be responsible for maintaining academic and student support services and providing the full remaining costs for eligible students awarded a grant under this section prior to such discontinuation to receive their baccalaureate degree debt free4 7#c7 ,institutional prohibitions ,each eligible institution that receives a grant under subsection 7c7 may not-- 7,a7 use grant funds for administrative purposes2 or 7,b7 establish different tuition prices between eligible students who receive grants under this section and students who do not receive grants under this section for pursing the same course of study4 7f7 ,student accountability 7#a7 ,enrollment2 ,,gpa2 service 7,a7 ,in general ,an eligible student awarded a grant under this section shall-- 7i7 maintain full-time enrollment in order to complete the student's baccalaureate degree in not more than #b years2 and 7ii7 maintain satisfactory academic progress1 defined as a #c4j grade point average 7,,gpa7 or higher1 and meet all other institutional standards for academic progress4 7,b7 ,two weeks of service 7i7 ,in general ,except as otherwise provided in this subparagraph1 an eligible student awarded a grant under this section shall serve for #hj hours as a participant in a ,corporation for ,national and ,community ,service national service project for each year the eligible student receives the grant4 ,the eligible institution shall assist in placing the eligible student in such a project relevant to the eligible student's course of study4 ,such required hours may be completed at any point during the student's enrollment but shall be completed prior to the date the eligible student receives the student's baccalaureate degree4 7ii7 ,other project ,if an eligible student resides in an area without a local ,corporation for ,national and ,community ,service national service project available1 the student may instead participate in a service project with a community action agency1 a local government agency1 or an organization described in section #eja7;c77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7iii7 ,medical exemption ,the ,secretary may grant an eligible student a medical exemption from the service commitment under this subparagraph if the student becomes medically unable to complete the service commitment over the course of the academic year4 ,an eligible student granted such an exemption shall complete the service commitment upon recovery without risking eligibility status in the grant program under this section4 7#b7 ,satisfactory progress 7,a7 ,after one year ,in the case in which an eligible student awarded a grant under this section does not maintain satisfactory academic progress1 as described in paragraph 7#a77;,a77ii71 after the first academic year for which the student received the grant1 the student shall-- 7i7 serve an additional year in a public service job beyond the #c-year commitment upon receiving the student's baccalaureate degree2 and 7ii7 receive additional academic supports from the eligible institution in which the student is enrolled4 7,b7 ,after two years ,in the case in which an eligible student awarded a grant under this section does not receive a baccalaureate degree after the second academic year for which the student received the grant1 the total of the grant award amount and remaining funds provided by the institution shall be treated as a ,federal ,direct ,unsubsidized ,stafford ,loan under part ,d of title ,,iv1 and shall be subject to repayment1 as described in paragraph 7#d74 7,c7 ,appeals ,in the case in which an eligible student awarded a grant under this section does not maintain satisfactory academic progress1 as described in paragraph 7#a77;,a77ii71 after the first academic year for which the student received the grant1 the student may appeal the decision to serve an additional year1 as described in subparagraph 7,a77i74 ,the appeal shall be made in writing to the eligible institution and include an academic plan approved by the student's adviser4 ,the academic plan shall show a clear pathway to graduation within #a year4 7#c7 ,public service job work obligation 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b77;,a77i7 and subparagraph 7,c71 an eligible student awarded a grant under this section shall work for not less than #c years in a public service job after receiving the student's baccalaureate degree4 ,such #c years 7or #d years1 in the case of a scenario described in paragraph 7#b77;,a77i77 may be consecutive or nonconsecutive but shall be completed not later than #e years 7or #f years1 in the case of a scenario described in paragraph 7#b77;,a77i77 after the date the student receives the student's baccalaureate degree4 7,b7 ,notification ,an eligible student awarded a grant under this section shall notify the ,department1 utilizing a form designed by the ,secretary1 of the student's compliance or noncompliance with subparagraph 7,a7 annually until such student completes the student's work obligation4 7,c7 ,deferment for graduate school ,the work obligation described in subparagraph 7,a7 of an eligible student awarded a grant under this section who enrolls as a full-time student in a post-baccalaureate degree program not later than #c years after the date the student receives the student's baccalaureate degree shall be deferred during the period of such full-time enrollment4 ,any years of service completed prior to full-time enrollment in a post-baccalaureate degree program shall count toward such work obligation4 7#d7 ,repayment for noncompliance ,in the event that an eligible student awarded a grant under this section fails or refuses to comply with the work obligation as described in paragraph 7#c71 or the student does not receive a baccalaureate degree after the second academic year for which the student received the grant1 as described in paragraph 7#b77;,b71 the sum of the amounts of any grants received by the student shall1 upon a determination of such a failure or refusal in such service obligation or failure to receive a baccalaureate degree1 be treated as a ,federal ,direct ,unsubsidized ,stafford ,loan under part ,d of title ,,iv1 and shall be subject to repayment1 together with interest thereon accruing from the date of the grant award1 in accordance with terms and conditions specified by the ,secretary in regulations under this section4 7#e7 ,medical exemption ,the ,secretary may grant an eligible student awarded a grant under this section a medical exemption-- 7,a7 from the requirement of maintaining satisfactory academic progress under paragraph 7#a77;,a77ii72 or 7,b7 from a term or condition of the work obligation of the student if the student becomes medically unable to complete the student's studies or public service job work obligation4 #dbj,u4 ,national ,public ,service ,education ,grant ,program for ,minority-,serving ,institutions and ,h,b,c,us 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible institution ,the term eligible institution means a minority-serving institution or historically black college or university that is a public #d-year institution of higher education or a private1 nonprofit #d-year institution of higher education4 7#b7 ,eligible student ,the term eligible student means a student who-- 7,a7 has received an associate's degree or has earned not less than #fj credits toward a baccalaureate degree2 7,b7 is enrolled1 at an eligible institution awarded a grant under this section1 on a full-time basis in a course of study that will lead to employment in a public service job2 and 7,c7 has submitted a ,free ,application for ,federal ,student ,aid 7,,fafsa7 to the ,department4 7#c7 ,historically black college or university ,the term historically black college or university means a part ,b institution described in section #cbb7b74 7#d7 ,minority-serving institution ,the term minority-serving institution means any public or nonprofit institution of higher education-- 7,a7 described in paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#g7 of section #cga7;a72 and 7,b7 designated as a minority-serving institution by the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,on-campus room and board ,the term on-campus room and board means-- 7,a7 the cost to a student of a double room on campus2 and 7,b7 the cost of a resident student meal plan4 7#f7 ,public service job ,the term public service job has the meaning given the term in section #dee7m77#c77;,b74 7b7 ,establishment of program ,the ,secretary shall establish a ,national ,public ,service ,education ,grant program for eligible institutions to provide a debt-free undergraduate education to students who commit to work for not less than #c years in a public service job upon completion of their baccalaureate degree4 7c7 ,grants from the department to eligible institutions 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall award grants to eligible institutions to enable the eligible institutions to award grants to eligible students who commit to work for not less than #c years in a public service job upon completion of their baccalaureate degree4 7#b7 ,duration ,grants awarded to eligible institutions under this subsection shall be #e years in duration4 ,subject to subsection 7e71 such a grant may be extended for additional #e-year periods4 7#c7 ,amounts 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall award a grant to an eligible institution under this subsection for a fiscal year in an amount equal to the actual annual cost of in-,state tuition1 fees1 and on-campus room and board at the eligible institution during the fiscal year multiplied by the number of eligible students enrolled at the institution who apply for a grant under this section during the fiscal year4 7,b7 ,nontraditional calendar ,the calculation of the cost of tuition1 fees1 and on-campus room and board under subparagraph 7,a7 with respect to an eligible student who applies for a grant under this section for enrollment during the summer or other nontraditional period shall be the cost of the cost of tuition1 fees1 and on-campus room and board for such summer or other nontraditional period4 7#d7 ,applications ,the ,secretary shall design an application for eligible institutions to participate in the grant program under this subsection that includes a description of how the eligible institution1 if awarded a grant under this subsection1 will provide services to students as follows3 7,a7 ,provide comprehensive academic and student support services for eligible students awarded grants under this section1 including mentoring and advising1 particularly for first-generation and minority students4 7,b7 ,provide accelerated learning opportunities for eligible students awarded grants under this section to receive their baccalaureate degree and any required certificate or license to work in their respective public service job in less than #b years if an eligible student seeks to complete the degree in less than #b years4 7,c7 ,foster opportunities for eligible students awarded grants under this section to connect with potential public service job employers through the ,corporation for ,national and ,community ,service4 7,d7 ,any additional information determined necessary by the ,secretary4 7d7 ,grants to eligible students 7#a7 ,in general ,each eligible institution that receives a grant under subsection 7c7 shall award grants to eligible students enrolled at the institution4 7#b7 ,application ,an eligible student who desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the eligible institution that includes the following3 7,a7 ,an agreement to work for not less than #c years in a public service job upon completion of their baccalaureate degree4 7,b7 ,information that demonstrates that the student is an eligible student for purposes of section #dhd4 7,c7 ,information that demonstrates that the student has received counseling from the ,department that explains the terms and conditions of the grant award4 7,d7 ,any additional information determined necessary by the ,secretary4 7#c7 ,grant amount 7,a7 ,in general ,an eligible institution shall award a grant to an eligible student enrolled at the institution for an academic year in an amount equal to the total grant amount received by the eligible institution under subsection 7c7 for the fiscal year preceding the academic year divided by the number of students to whom the eligible institution awards grants under this subsection for such academic year4 7,b7 ,nontraditional calendar ,an eligible institution shall award a grant to an eligible student who applies for a grant under this section for enrollment during the summer or other nontraditional period in an amount1 from the total grant amount received by the eligible institution under subsection 7c71 that is prorated to reflect the cost of tuition1 fees1 and on-campus room and board for such summer or other nontraditional period4 7#d7 ,cost of attendance beyond grant amount 7,a7 ,amounts not covered by npseg grants 7i7 ,public institution ,an eligible institution that is a public institution of higher education may cover1 with respect to an eligible student1 any amounts of the cost of attendance that are in excess of the total amount awarded to the eligible student through the grant award under paragraph 7#c71 based on the demonstrated financial need of the student4 ,for the remaining costs1 the eligible student enrolled at an eligible institution that is a public institution shall be responsible for any amounts of the cost of attendance that are in excess of the total amount awarded to that eligible student through the grant award under paragraph 7#c7 and any amount provided pursuant to the preceding sentence4 ,the eligible student may be eligible for ,federal student aid in accordance with subparagraph 7,b7 for the remaining cost of attendance amount for which the student is responsible4 7ii7 ,private institution 7,i7 ,in general ,an eligible institution that is a private1 nonprofit institution of higher education shall-- 7aa7 with respect to an eligible student described in subclause 7,,ii71 cover excess costs toward meeting an eligible student's cost of attendance in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of the grant award to the eligible student described in paragraph 7#c72 and 7bb7 with respect to an eligible student not described in subclause 7,,ii71 not be obligated to provide additional institutional-based financial aid to such student4 7,,ii7 ,eligible students ,an eligible student is described in this subclause if the student's 7or the student's parents' in the case of a dependent student7 adjusted gross income for the taxable year that is #a year prior to the taxable year that ends immediately prior to the beginning of the first award year of the program under this section is equal to or less than #abe1jjj1 indexed for inflation by regulation of the ,secretary4 7,,iii7 ,source of aid ,the required amount described in subclause 7,i77aa7 may be provided through a combination of grant and work-study awards under this title for which the eligible student may be eligible1 campus-based aid programs1 ,state-based merit or need-based aid1 or other institutional-based merit- or need-based aid4 7,,iv7 ,student contribution ,the eligible student shall be responsible for any amounts of the cost of attendance that are in excess of the total amount awarded to that eligible student through the grant award under paragraph 7#c7 and the amount of excess costs provided under subclause 7,i74 ,the eligible student may be eligible for ,federal student aid in accordance with subparagraph 7,b7 for the remaining cost of attendance amount for which the student is responsible4 7iii7 ,student choice ,an eligible student who receives a ,federal work-study award by an eligible institution to meet the cost of attendance beyond a grant awarded under this section may choose to decline the ,federal work-study award and take out a ,federal ,direct ,unsubsidized ,stafford ,loan4 ,an eligible institution shall be considered to have met the institution's responsibilities if a student chooses to take out such a loan in lieu of a ,federal work-study award4 7,b7 ,first dollar award ,in calculating an eligible student's financial need to cover excess costs described in subparagraph 7,a71 the eligible institution shall consider the grant award under this subsection as the first dollar award1 to be available prior to other funds awarded by the ,department of ,education under this title1 the ,state involved1 or the institution4 ,if a grant awarded to an eligible student under this section is equal to the cost of tuition1 fees1 and on-campus room and board for such student1 the eligible institution shall not be required to provide additional institutional scholarship or grant based aid to the eligible student4 7,c7 ,housing ,an eligible student who receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant amounts for off-campus housing but the student may not use such grant amounts for any amounts for such off-campus housing that are in excess of the cost of on-campus room and board4 7#e7 ,classes in nontraditional calendars ,an eligible student who receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant amounts for enrollment during any period of study4 7e7 ,institutional accountability 7#a7 ,in general ,each eligible institution that receives a grant under subsection 7c7 shall-- 7,a7 provide comprehensive academic and student support services for eligible students awarded grants under this section1 including mentoring and advising1 particularly for first-generation and minority students2 7,b7 provide accelerated learning opportunities for eligible students awarded grants under this section to receive their baccalaureate degree and any required certificate or license to work in their respective public service job in less than #b years if an eligible student seeks to complete the degree in less than #b years2 and 7,c7 foster opportunities for eligible students awarded grants under this section to connect with potential public service job employers through the ,corporation for ,national and ,community ,service4 7#b7 ,biennial report 7,a7 ,in general ,each eligible institution that receives a grant under subsection 7c7 shall submit a biennial report to the ,secretary describing the following3 7i7 ,academic and student support services offered to eligible students awarded grants under this section4 7ii7 ,such students' progress towards baccalaureate degree completion and graduation4 7iii7 ,outreach to potential public service job employers for the eligible students awarded grants under this section4 7,b7 ,continuing grant awards to eligible institutions ,the ,secretary may continue grant awards to an eligible institution under subsection 7c7 after the initial #e-year grant period for additional #e-year periods if-- 7i7 the institution complies with the requirements of paragraph 7#a72 and 7ii7 the eligible students awarded grants under this section who are enrolled at the institution have a baccalaureate degree graduation rate that meets or exceeds a rate determined appropriate by the ,secretary4 7,c7 ,discontinuing grant awards to eligible institutions 7i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may discontinue grant awards to an eligible institution under subsection 7c7 after the initial #e-year grant period based on the outcome of the biennial reports under subparagraph 7,a74 7ii7 ,notification ,prior to the ,secretary discontinuing a grant award under clause 7i71 the ,secretary shall notify the institution1 prior to the start of the #eth year of the #e-year grant period1 in a publically available format1 that the institution is1 or is potentially1 out of compliance with the requirements of the grant award and may have the institution's grant awards discontinued4 7iii7 ,modifications ,in the #eth year of the #e-year grant period1 an eligible institution may make modifications to the institution's grant program and appeal to the ,secretary for a renewal of the institution's grant4 7iv7 ,decision ,the ,secretary1 prior to the conclusion of the #e-year grant period1 shall render a decision on whether to continue grant awards to an eligible institution4 7v7 ,remaining responsibility ,if the ,secretary discontinues grant awards to an eligible institution under subsection 7c71 the institution shall be responsible for maintaining academic and student support services and providing the full remaining costs for eligible students awarded a grant under this section prior to such discontinuation to receive their baccalaureate degree debt free4 7#c7 ,institutional prohibitions ,each eligible institution that receives a grant under subsection 7c7 may not-- 7,a7 use grant funds for administrative purposes2 or 7,b7 establish different tuition prices between eligible students who receive grants under this section and students who do not receive grants under this section for pursing the same course of study4 7f7 ,student accountability 7#a7 ,enrollment2 ,,gpa2 service 7,a7 ,in general ,an eligible student awarded a grant under this section shall-- 7i7 maintain full-time enrollment in order to complete the student's baccalaureate degree in not more than #b years2 and 7ii7 maintain satisfactory academic progress1 defined as a #c4j grade point average 7,,gpa7 or higher1 and meet all other institutional standards for academic progress4 7,b7 ,two weeks of service 7i7 ,in general ,except as otherwise provided in this subparagraph1 an eligible student awarded a grant under this section shall serve for #hj hours as a participant in a ,corporation for ,national and ,community ,service national service project for each year the eligible student receives the grant4 ,the eligible institution shall assist in placing the eligible student in such a project relevant to the eligible student's course of study4 ,such required hours may be completed at any point during the student's enrollment but shall be completed prior to the date the eligible student receives the student's baccalaureate degree4 7ii7 ,other project ,if an eligible student resides in an area without a local ,corporation for ,national and ,community ,service national service project available1 the student may instead participate in a service project with a community action agency1 a local government agency1 or an organization described in section #eja7;c77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7iii7 ,medical exemption ,the ,secretary may grant an eligible student a medical exemption from the service commitment under this subparagraph if the student becomes medically unable to complete the service commitment over the course of the academic year4 ,an eligible student granted such an exemption shall complete the service commitment upon recovery without risking eligibility status in the grant program under this section4 7#b7 ,satisfactory progress 7,a7 ,after one year ,in the case in which an eligible student awarded a grant under this section does not maintain satisfactory academic progress1 as described in paragraph 7#a77;,a77ii71 after the first academic year for which the student received the grant1 the student shall-- 7i7 serve an additional year in a public service job beyond the #c-year commitment upon receiving the student's baccalaureate degree2 and 7ii7 receive additional academic supports from the eligible institution in which the student is enrolled4 7,b7 ,after two years ,in the case in which an eligible student awarded a grant under this section does not receive a baccalaureate degree after the second academic year for which the student received the grant1 the total of the grant award amount and remaining funds provided by the institution shall be treated as a ,federal ,direct ,unsubsidized ,stafford ,loan under part ,d of title ,,iv1 and shall be subject to repayment1 as described in paragraph 7#d74 7,c7 ,appeals ,in the case in which an eligible student awarded a grant under this section does not maintain satisfactory academic progress1 as described in paragraph 7#a77;,a77ii71 after the first academic year for which the student received the grant1 the student may appeal the decision to serve an additional year1 as described in subparagraph 7,a77i74 ,the appeal shall be made in writing to the eligible institution and include an academic plan approved by the student's adviser4 ,the academic plan shall show a clear pathway to graduation within #a year4 7#c7 ,public service job work obligation 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b77;,a77i7 and subparagraph 7,c71 an eligible student awarded a grant under this section shall work for not less than #c years in a public service job after receiving the student's baccalaureate degree4 ,such #c years 7or #d years1 in the case of a scenario described in paragraph 7#b77;,a77i77 may be consecutive or nonconsecutive but shall be completed not later than #e years 7or #f years1 in the case of a scenario described in paragraph 7#b77;,a77i77 after the date the student receives the student's baccalaureate degree4 7,b7 ,notification ,an eligible student awarded a grant under this section shall notify the ,department1 utilizing a form designed by the ,secretary1 of the student's compliance or noncompliance with subparagraph 7,a7 annually until such student completes the student's work obligation4 7,c7 ,deferment for graduate school ,the work obligation described in subparagraph 7,a7 of an eligible student awarded a grant under this section who enrolls as a full-time student in a post-baccalaureate degree program not later than #c years after the date the student receives the student's baccalaureate degree shall be deferred during the period of such full-time enrollment4 ,any years of service completed prior to full-time enrollment in a post-baccalaureate degree program shall count toward such work obligation4 7#d7 ,repayment for noncompliance ,in the event that an eligible student awarded a grant under this section fails or refuses to comply with the work obligation as described in paragraph 7#c71 or the student does not receive a baccalaureate degree after the second academic year for which the student received the grant1 as described in paragraph 7#b77;,b71 the sum of the amounts of any grants received by the student shall1 upon a determination of such a failure or refusal in such service obligation or failure to meet satisfactory academic progress1 be treated as a ,federal ,direct ,unsubsidized ,stafford ,loan under part ,d of title ,,iv1 and shall be subject to repayment1 together with interest thereon accruing from the date of the grant award1 in accordance with terms and conditions specified by the ,secretary in regulations under this section4 7#e7 ,medical exemption ,the ,secretary may grant an eligible student awarded a grant under this section a medical exemption-- 7,a7 from the requirement of maintaining satisfactory academic progress under paragraph 7#a77;,a77ii72 or 7,b7 from a term or condition of the work obligation of the student if the student becomes medically unable to complete the student's studies or public service job work obligation4 4 ,,iii ,debt-,free ,public ,service ,loan ,forgiveness ,program #cja4 ,debt-,free ,public ,service ,loan ,forgiveness ,program 7a7 ,in general ,section #dee7m7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajhg;e7m77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,debt-,free ,public ,service ,loan ,forgiveness ,program 7,a7 ,in general ,beginning after the date of enactment of the ,strengthening ,american ,communities ,act of #bjai1 after the conclusion of each employment period in a public service job1 as described in subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall cancel the percent specified in such subparagraph of the total amount due on any eligible ,federal ,direct ,loan made after the date of enactment of the ,strengthening ,american ,communities ,act of #bjai for a borrower who-- 7i7 is employed in such public service job2 7ii7 submits an employment certification form described in subparagraph 7,c72 7iii7 is enrolled in a repayment plan described in paragraph 7#a77;,a72 and 7iv7 notifies the ,department that the borrower seeks loan cancellation under this paragraph4 7,b7 ,percent amount ,the percent of a loan that shall be canceled under subparagraph 7,a7 is as follows3 7i7 ,in the case of a borrower who completes #b years of employment in a public service job1 #ae percent of the total amount due on the eligible ,federal ,direct ,loan on the date the borrower commenced employment in such public service job4 7ii7 ,in the case of a borrower who completes #d years of employment in a public service job1 #ae percent of the total amount due on the eligible ,federal ,direct ,loan on the date the borrower commenced employment in such public service job4 7iii7 ,in the case of a borrower who completes #f years of employment in a public service job1 #bj percent of the total amount due on the eligible ,federal ,direct ,loan on the date the borrower commenced employment in such public service job4 7iv7 ,in the case of a borrower who completes #h years of employment in a public service job1 #bj percent of the total amount due on the eligible ,federal ,direct ,loan on the date the borrower commenced employment in such public service job4 7v7 ,in the case of a borrower who completes #aj years of employment in a public service job1 #cj percent of the total amount due on the eligible ,federal ,direct ,loan on the date the borrower commenced employment in such public service job4 7,c7 ,employment certification form 7i7 ,in general ,in order to receive loan cancellation under this paragraph1 a borrower shall submit to the ,secretary an employment certification form that is developed by the ,secretary and includes at least self-certification of employment1 a separate part for employer certification that indicates the dates of employment1 and any additional information required by the ,secretary4 7ii7 ,deferment ,if a borrower submits to the ,secretary the employment certification form described in clause 7i71 during the period in which the borrower is employed in a public service job for which loan cancellation is eligible under this paragraph1 the borrower's eligible ,federal ,direct ,loan shall be placed in deferment4 7,d7 ,interest canceled ,if a portion of a loan is canceled under this paragraph for any year1 the entire amount of interest on such loan that accrues for such year shall be canceled4 7,e7 ,no retroactivity ,a borrower may not receive credit for purposes of loan forgiveness under this paragraph for years of employment in a public service job that occurred before the date of enactment of the ,strengthening ,american ,communities ,act of #bjai4 7,f7 ,leaving public service 7i7 ,in general ,if a borrower who receives loan cancellation under this paragraph leaves the public service job1 either voluntarily or involuntarily1 for which the borrower received loan cancellation before the total amount due on the eligible ,federal ,direct ,loan is canceled under this paragraph1 such borrower shall retain eligibility for accelerated loan cancellation under this paragraph for such eligible ,federal ,direct ,loan if the borrower commences employment in a public service job not later than #c years after the date the borrower left the public service job for which the borrower received loan cancellation4 7ii7 ,eligibility status ,if a borrower described in clause 7i7 commences employment in a public service job within the time period described in clause 7i71 such borrower shall resume eligibility for accelerated loan cancellation under this paragraph for such eligible ,federal ,direct ,loan4 ,such borrower upon resumption of eligibility shall be considered to have completed the number of years of employment in a public service job at the last completed loan cancellation period described in subparagraph 7,b7 for such borrower1 even if the borrower had actually completed an additional year of employment in a public service job4 7iii7 ,loss of eligibility ,if a borrower described in clause 7i7 does not commence employment in a public service job within the time period described in clause 7i71 such borrower shall no longer be eligible for loan cancellation under this paragraph but may be eligible for loan cancellation for such loan under paragraph 7#a74 4 7b7 ,notification of program ,the ,secretary of ,education1 in order to inform public servants of the benefits of the debt-free public service loan cancellation program established under section #dee7m77#e7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajhg;e7m77-- 7#a7 shall make guidance publicly available to the employers of public servants to make public servants aware of such program2 and 7#b7 is encouraged to work in partnership with ,state licensing agencies to make recently licensed public servants aware of such program4