chapter 72 – EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
sECTION .0100 - GENERAL
10A NCAC 72 .0101 SCOPE
History Note: Authority S.L. 2007-323, s. 10.34;
Eff. June 1, 2008;
RRC objection August 15, 2019 and rule returned to the agency on September 19, 2019.
10A NCAC 72 .0102 DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply in this Chapter:
(1) "Academic Year" means a period of time in which a student completes the equivalent of two semesters or three quarters of academic work.
(2) "Approved Institution" means one of the branches of the University of North Carolina or one of the North Carolina community colleges.
(3) "Case Management Services" are a set of services provided to participating students and their families that are designed to support the student's postsecondary education experience. Such services include:
(a) processing and accepting applications for the program;
(b) certifying each eligible student and the amount of the Eligible Student's Scholarship and communicating this information to the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority to authorize release of funds;
(c) compiling databases of resources in the students' academic communities that can help students succeed in school;
(d) providing or arranging for counseling regarding academic issues as well as other concerns that may affect the performance of the student;
(e) communicating with and advising students on academic issues;
(f) providing contact with students throughout their postsecondary experience;
(g) responding to students experiencing crisis;
(h) providing or arranging for emergency housing up to two weeks for students who have no place to live when school is out of session;
(i) if allowed by the student, being available to consult with student's families and staff of local Departments of Social Services regarding student's postsecondary experiences;
(j) monitoring grades and the individual's course of study, and evaluating progress toward goal achievement;
(k) maintaining records for each individual student regarding their academic progress and assistance provided; and
(l) providing quarterly program reports of case management services to the contract administrator at the State Division of Social Services.
(4) "Cost of Attendance" is defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965, which includes tuition, fees, room, board, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. This amount is established by each institution. This grant is limited to cost of attendance less other grants or scholarships from federal, state, or other sources.
(5) "Education Training Voucher" (ETV) means the Federal scholarship program funded by the John Chafee Foster Care Independence Act 42 U.S.C. 677, which benefits individuals who were in the custody of the Department of Social Services at or after age 17 or who were adopted or exited to guardianship on or after their 16th birthday.
(6) "Eligible Student" means a student who:
(a) has received a high school diploma or GED and has not yet reached his or her 26th birthday;
(b) is pursuing an undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate at an approved institution as a half-time student or a full-time student, as defined in 34 CFR 668.2;
(c) was in the custody of a North Carolina local Department of Social Services on his or her 18th birthday, or adopted from the North Carolina foster care system on or after his or her 12th birthday, or exited foster care to a permanent home through the Guardianship Assistance Program; and
(d) is making satisfactory academic progress toward completion of the course of undergraduate study as defined in 34 CFR 668.34.
(7) "Fiscal Year" means each annual period that begins on July 1 in any calendar year and ends on June 30 the following calendar year.
(8) "Higher Education Act" means Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1070, et seq.
(9) "Matriculated Status" means the student is recognized by the approved institution as a student in a defined program of study leading to an associate's degree, baccalaureate degree, diploma or certificate.
(10) "Pell Grant" means the needs based scholarship program administered by the federal government to benefit low income baccalaureate and postgraduate students.
(11) "Program" means the Postsecondary Educational Support Scholarship program, also known as NC Reach, established by Section 10.34(a) of Session Law 2007-323.
(12) "Residence Manual" means the most current edition of A Manual to Assist the Public Higher Education Institutions of North Carolina in the Matter of Student Residence Classification for Tuition Purposes as adopted by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina and available free of charge at https://ncresidency.cfnc.org/residencyInfo/pdf/RDS_Guidebook.pdf.
(13) "Scholarship" means an award for education awarded to an eligible student under the program.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-153; S.L. 2018-5; S.L. 2017-57; 34 CFR 668.34; 34 CFR 677;
Eff. June 1, 2008;
Readopted Eff. September 1, 2019;
Amended Eff. September 1, 2021.
section .0200 - Student Eligibility for Scholarships, Satisfactory Progress Requirements
10A NCAC 72 .0201 GENERAL RULE
Subject to availability of funds a student shall receive a scholarship for an academic year if the approved institution at which the student is enrolled, or admitted for enrollment, determines that the student:
(1) Meets the eligibility requirements as set forth in Rule .0102 of this Chapter;
(2) Is a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes under G.S. 116-143.1 and the Residence Manual;
(3) Has complied with the registration requirements of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. A. 451 et seq.) or is exempt from registration requirements; and
(4) Is not in default under any federal or state loan or grant program.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-153; S.L. 2018-5; S.L 2017-57;
Eff. June 1, 2008;
Readopted Eff. September 1, 2019.
10A NCAC 72 .0202 SATISFACTORY PROGRESS REQUIREMENT
Any eligible student who is placed on academic probation may continue to receive a NC Reach scholarship for one additional semester if the approved institution allows the student to continue in matriculated status. If the student fails to make satisfactory academic progress in the semester or term subsequent to the term in which he or she received academic probation, NC Reach assistance shall be discontinued for at least one academic year.
History Note: Authority 34 CFR 668.34; G.S. 143B-153; S.L. 2018-5; S.L. 2017-57;
Eff. June 1, 2008;
Readopted Eff. September 1, 2019.
10A NCAC 72 .0203 LIMITATION OF AWARD
An eligible student shall not receive an NC Reach scholarship for more than a total of four academic years, to include the Spring and Fall terms and summer school.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-153; S.L. 2018-5; S.L. 2017-57;
Eff. June 1, 2008;
Readopted Eff. September 1, 2019.
section .0300 - Application
10A NCAC 72 .0301 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCEDURES
(a) Method of Applying for Scholarships. Students shall apply online for NC Reach through www.ncreach.org. The application shall include the applicant's personal information, education history, financial information, information release agreement, and electronic signature.
(b) Determination of eligible students. Eligibility for the NC Reach program shall be verified by employees of the State Division of Social Services.
(c) Scholarships within an Academic Year. An eligible student shall, subject to available funds, receive a scholarship for one or more semesters or quarters, provided that the eligible student's total financial aid, including from the Education Training Voucher, Pell Grant, and NC Reach Scholarship, does not exceed the total cost of attendance.
(d) Denial of Scholarship Applications. The entity providing case management services shall notify any student whose application is denied and the reasons for the denial.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-153; S.L. 2018-5; S.L. 2017-57;
Eff. June 1, 2008;
Readopted Eff. September 1, 2019.