§ 2756b. Work colleges
(a)
Purpose
The purpose of this section is to recognize, encourage, and promote the use of comprehensive work-learning-service programs as a valuable educational approach when it is an integral part of the institution’s educational program and a part of a financial plan which decreases reliance on grants and loans.
(b)
Source and use of funds
(1)
Source of funds
In addition to the sums appropriated under subsection (f) of this section, funds allocated to the institution under this part and part
E of this title [20 U.S.C. 1087aa et seq.] may be transferred for use under this section to provide flexibility in strengthening the self-help-through-work element in financial aid packaging.
(2)
Activities authorized
From the sums appropriated pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, and from the funds available under paragraph (1), eligible institutions may, following approval of an application under subsection (c) of this section by the Secretary—
(A)
support the educational costs of qualified students through self-help payments or credits provided under the work-learning-service program of the institution within the limits of part
F of this title [20 U.S.C. 1087kk et seq.];
(B)
promote the work-learning-service experience as a tool of postsecondary education, financial self-help and community service-learning opportunities;
(D)
be used for the administration, development and assessment of comprehensive work-learning-service programs, including—
(F)
carry out a comprehensive, longitudinal study of student academic progress and academic and career outcomes, relative to student self-sufficiency in financing their higher education, repayment of student loans, continued community service, kind and quality of service performed, and career choice and community service selected after graduation.
(c)
Application
Each eligible institution may submit an application for funds authorized by subsection (f) of this section to use funds under subsection (b)(1) of this section at such time and in such manner as the Secretary, by regulation, may reasonably require.
(d)
Match required
Funds made available to work-colleges pursuant to this section shall be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis from non-Federal sources.
(e)
Definitions
For the purpose of this section—
(1)
the term “work college” means an eligible institution that—
(A)
has been a public or private nonprofit, four-year, degree-granting institution with a commitment to community service;
(C)
requires students, including at least one-half of all students who are enrolled on a full-time basis, to participate in a comprehensive work-learning-service program for at least five hours each week, or at least 80 hours during each period of enrollment, except summer school, unless the student is engaged in an institutionally organized or approved study abroad or externship program; and
(2)
the term “comprehensive student work-learning-service program” means a student work-learning-service program that—
(C)
includes learning objectives, evaluation, and a record of work performance as part of the student’s college record;
(f)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years.