(a) There is a program of Maryland Science and Technology Scholarships in this State that are awarded under this subtitle. The Office shall annually select students who have the greatest potential for academic success in higher education and offer a scholarship to each student to be used at a Maryland higher education institution of the student’s choice, if the recipient meets the following qualifications:
(1) Qualifies academically as follows:
(i) Has a secondary school transcript indicating an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent after completion of the first semester of the senior year;
(ii) Intends to enroll or is enrolled as a full-time student in an academic program as designated by the Maryland Higher Education Commission; and
(iii) Has graduated from a secondary school;
(2) Is a Maryland resident and was a Maryland resident at the time of graduating from secondary school;
(3) Is accepted for admission in a regular undergraduate program at a Maryland higher education institution in the State;
(4) Begins attending an eligible Maryland higher education institution within 5 years of completing secondary school or, failing to do so, provides evidence satisfactory to the Office of extenuating circumstances;
(5) Agrees to the conditions provided in subsection (c) of this section; and
(6) Accepts any other conditions attached to the award and satisfies any additional criteria the Commission may establish.
(b) (1) The annual scholarship award shall be in the amount of $1,000 for a student enrolled at a 2-year eligible institution or $3,000 for a student enrolled at a 4-year eligible institution.
(2) If accepted by the eligible student, each award may be renewed on an annual basis for a maximum of 3 years after the original award if the recipient:
(i) Remains a resident of the State;
(ii) Attends a Maryland higher education institution in the State;
(iii) Is enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student and takes at least 12 semester hours of courses each semester or its equivalent as determined by the Office;
(iv) Maintains a 3.0 grade point average on an academic year basis or, failing to do so, provides evidence satisfactory to the Office, of extreme extenuating circumstances;
(v) Is making satisfactory progress toward a degree as determined by the institution; and
(vi) Maintains the standards of the institution.
(3) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, each recipient of a Maryland Science and Technology Scholarship who is enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program may renew the annual award four times if the recipient is enrolled in an undergraduate academic program that, as determined by the institution, requires 5 years to complete.
(4) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, each award may be renewed on an annual basis for a maximum of 2 years for students enrolled in an associate degree program.
(c) A recipient of an award made under this section shall receive the award for each year indicated in which the recipient is eligible if:
(1) The recipient signs an agreement at the time of the initial award to:
(i) Commence employment in the State within 1 year after completion of undergraduate studies for 1 year for each year that the scholarship was awarded; and
(ii) Repay the State the amounts awarded under this subtitle as set forth in § 18-112 of this title if the recipient does not:
1. Satisfy the degree requirements of the eligible academic program or fulfill other requirements as provided in this subtitle; and
2. Perform the service obligation for 1 year for each year that the recipient has a scholarship awarded under this subtitle; and
(2) The service obligation begins after graduation and cannot be fulfilled prior to graduation from an eligible institution.