§ 6-85-109 - Priority for teaching commitment.
6-85-109. Priority for teaching commitment.
(a) During times of funding shortages under the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program, the Department of Higher Education shall give a priority to awards to applicants meeting all eligibility requirements under the program who agree to accept a forgivable loan, as set forth in this section, in lieu of a scholarship and who agree to teach, as required under 6-85-110, in a:
(1) Subject matter area designated by the Department of Education as having a critical shortage of teachers; or
(2) Geographical area of the state designated by the Department of Education as having a critical shortage of teachers.
(b) The Department of Higher Education shall make awards under this subchapter as follows:
(1) First, to applicants who agree to the provisions of this section; and
(2) Then to applicants eligible under 6-85-106(b).
(c) Forgivable loans awarded under this section shall be paid from appropriations to the program.