Last-dollar financial assistance program; eligible students.

Sec. 247a. (1) The appropriation in section 236(7)(e) may be used to support last-dollar financial assistance to eligible individuals who are at least 21 years of age and seeking associate degrees, industry-recognized certificates, or credentials. Funds expended under this section must be used to award grants to eligible institutions consistent with the Michigan reconnect grant act, 2020 PA 84, MCL 390.1701 to 390.1709, to eligible students as defined in this section, and to administer the program outlined in this section. (2) Except as provided under subsection (3), the department must develop and implement a program similar to requirements outlined in the Michigan reconnect grant recipient act, 2020 PA 68, MCL 390.1711 to 390.1723. (3) To receive an initial grant under this section, an eligible individual must meet both of the following requirements: (a) Be at least 21 years of age and not more than 24 years of age. (b) Complete the application in a timely manner and in a form and manner determined by the department. (4) The department must develop program guidelines and eligibility criteria for the program and must post the information on its publicly accessible website. (5) The department may award funds under this section for eligible individuals only until the money appropriated to Michigan reconnect in section 236(7)(e) has been fully committed.