1009:DE9CF56E-06C7-4C67-85E5-6CB6495A80D42260IGAP TUITION ASSISTANCE ACT260I.1Title.This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Gap Tuition Assistance Act”.2011 Acts, ch 132, §79, 106260I.2Gap tuition assistance program fund.1A gap tuition assistance program is established to provide funding to community colleges for need-based tuition assistance to applicants to enable completion of continuing education certificate training programs for in-demand occupations.2aThere is established for the community colleges a gap tuition assistance fund in the state treasury to be administered by the department of education. The funds in the gap tuition assistance fund are appropriated to the department of education for the gap tuition assistance program.bThe aggregate total of grants awarded from the gap tuition assistance fund during a fiscal year shall not be more than two million dollars.cExcept as provided in section 260I.10, subsection 4, moneys in the fund shall be allocated pursuant to the formula established in section 260C.18C. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys in the fund at the close of the fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund of the state but shall remain available for expenditure for the purpose designated for subsequent fiscal years. Notwithstanding section 12C.7, subsection 2, interest or earnings on moneys in the fund shall be credited to the fund.2011 Acts, ch 132, §80, 106; 2012 Acts, ch 1132, §18; 2019 Acts, ch 135, §21260I.3Applicants for tuition assistance eligibility criteria.1The state board of education shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A defining eligibility criteria for persons applying to receive tuition assistance under this chapter.2aAn applicant for tuition assistance under this chapter must have a demonstrated capacity to achieve the following outcomes:1The ability to complete an eligible certificate program.2The ability to enter a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree program for credit.3The ability to gain full-time employment.4The ability to maintain full-time employment over time.bThe community college receiving the application shall only approve an applicant for tuition assistance under this chapter if the community college determines the applicant has a strong likelihood of achieving the outcomes described in paragraph “a” after considering factors including but not limited to:1Barriers that may prevent an applicant from completing the certificate program.2Barriers that may prevent an applicant from gaining employment in an in-demand occupation.3Applicants may be found eligible for partial or total tuition assistance.4The community college receiving the application may limit an applicant to one eligible certificate program or to eligible programs within one career pathway, based on the funding available to the community college for purposes of this program.2011 Acts, ch 118, §87, 89; 2011 Acts, ch 132, §81, 106; 2015 Acts, ch 140, §44, 58, 59; 2019 Acts, ch 135, §22 – 24; 2020 Acts, ch 1063, §101; 2023 Acts, ch 111, §28260I.4Applicants for tuition assistance additional provisions.1Only an applicant eligible to work in the United States shall be approved for tuition assistance under this chapter.2An application shall be valid for six months from the date of signature on the application.3Eligibility for tuition assistance under this chapter shall not be construed to guarantee enrollment in any community college certificate program.2011 Acts, ch 132, §82, 106; 2013 Acts, ch 141, §48; 2015 Acts, ch 140, §45, 58, 59; 2019 Acts, ch 135, §25; 2023 Acts, ch 111, §29260I.5Eligible costs.Costs of a certificate program eligible for coverage by tuition assistance shall include but are not limited to:1Tuition.2Direct training costs and support services.3Required books and equipment.4Fees including but not limited to fees for industry testing services and background check testing services.5Costs of providing direct staff support services including but not limited to marketing, outreach, application, interview, and assessment processes. Eligible costs for this purpose shall be limited to twenty percent of any allocation of moneys to the two smallest community colleges, ten percent of any allocation of moneys to the two largest community colleges, and fifteen percent of any allocation of moneys to the remaining eleven community colleges. Community college size shall be determined based on the most recent three-year rolling average full-time equivalent enrollment.2011 Acts, ch 132, §83, 106; 2013 Acts, ch 141, §49; 2023 Acts, ch 111, §30260I.6Eligible certificate programs.For the purposes of this chapter, “eligible certificate program” means a program meeting all of the following criteria:1The program is aligned with a certificate, diploma, or degree for credit, is either not offered for credit or is offered for short-term credit that is not eligible under the federal Pell grant program, and does any of the following:aOffers a state, national, or locally recognized certificate.bOffers preparation for a professional examination or licensure.cProvides endorsement for an existing credential or license.dRepresents recognized skill standards defined by an industrial sector.eOffers a similar credential or training.2The program offers training or a credential in an in-demand occupation. For the purposes of this chapter, “in-demand occupation” includes occupations in the following industries:aInformation technology.bHealth care.cAdvanced manufacturing.dTransportation and logistics.eAny other industry designated as in-demand by a local workforce development board established pursuant to section 84A.4.2011 Acts, ch 132, §84, 106; 2016 Acts, ch 1118, §20, 21; 2023 Acts, ch 111, §31260I.7Initial assessment.Repealed by 2023 Acts, ch 111, §32.260I.8Program interview.An applicant for tuition assistance under this chapter shall meet with a member of the staff for an eligible certificate program offered by the community college receiving the application. The staff member shall discuss the relevant industry, any applicable occupational research, and any applicable training relating to the eligible certificate program. The discussion shall include an evaluation of the applicant’s capabilities, needs, family situation, work history, educational background, attitude and motivation, employment skills, vocational and technical potential, and employment barriers. The discussion shall also include potential start dates, support needs, and other requirements for an eligible certificate program.2011 Acts, ch 132, §86, 106; 2016 Acts, ch 1108, §59260I.9Participation requirements.1A participant in an eligible certificate program who receives tuition assistance pursuant to this chapter shall do all of the following:aMaintain regular contact with staff members for the certificate program to document the applicant’s progress in the program.bSign a release form to provide relevant information to community college faculty or case managers.cDiscuss with staff members for the certificate program any issues that may impact the participant’s ability to complete the certificate program, obtain employment, and maintain employment over time.dAttend all required courses regularly.eMeet with staff members for the certificate program to develop a job search plan.2A community college may terminate tuition assistance for a participant who fails to meet the requirements of this section.2011 Acts, ch 132, §87, 106260I.10Oversight.1The department of education, in coordination with the community colleges, shall establish a steering committee. The steering committee shall determine if the performance measures of the gap tuition assistance program are being met and shall take necessary steps to correct any deficiencies. The steering committee shall meet at least quarterly to evaluate and monitor the performance of the gap tuition assistance program.2The department of education, in coordination with the community colleges, shall develop a common intake tracking system that shall be implemented consistently by each participating community college.3The department of education shall coordinate statewide oversight, evaluation, and reporting efforts for the gap tuition assistance program.4The department of education, in coordination with the community colleges, may adjust the allocations generated pursuant to section 260I.2, subsection 2, paragraph “c”, to ensure efficient delivery of services.2011 Acts, ch 132, §88, 106; 2019 Acts, ch 135, §27; 2020 Acts, ch 1063, §385, 391, 392260I.11Rules.The state board of education, in consultation with the community colleges, shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A and this chapter to implement the provisions of this chapter.2011 Acts, ch 118, §87, 89; 2011 Acts, ch 132, §89, 106; 2019 Acts, ch 135, §28