subpart 6—robert c. byrd honors scholarship program
§1070d–31. Statement of purpose
It is the purpose of this subpart to establish a Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program to promote student excellence and achievement and to recognize exceptionally able students who show promise of continued excellence.
(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419A, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1343.)
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1070d–31, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419A, as added Pub. L. 98–558, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2900; amended Pub. L. 99–145, title XVI, §1627(a), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 779, provided statement of purpose for Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.
Section, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419B, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1343, defined terms used in this subpart.
A prior section 1070d–32, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419B, as added Pub. L. 98–558, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2900, defined terms used in this subpart, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.
§1070d–33. Scholarships authorized
(a) Program authority
The Secretary is authorized, in accordance with the provisions of this subpart, to make grants to States to enable the States to award scholarships to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and who show promise of continued academic achievement.
(b) Period of award
Scholarships under this section shall be awarded for a period of not less than 1 or more than 4 years during the first 4 years of study at any institution of higher education eligible to participate in any programs assisted under this subchapter. The State educational agency administering the program in a State shall have discretion to determine the period of the award (within the limits specified in the preceding sentence), except that—
(1) if the amount appropriated for this subpart for any fiscal year exceeds the amount appropriated for this subpart for fiscal year 1993, the Secretary shall identify to each State educational agency the number of scholarships available to that State under section 1070d–34(b) of this title that are attributable to such excess; and
(2) the State educational agency shall award not less than that number of scholarships for a period of 4 years.
(c) Use at any institution permitted
A student awarded a scholarship under this subpart may attend any institution of higher education.
(d) Byrd Scholars
Individuals awarded scholarships under this subpart shall be known as "Byrd Scholars".
(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419C, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1344; amended Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §406(b), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 508; Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(28), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2459; Pub. L. 111–39, title IV, §401(a)(7), July 1, 2009, 123 Stat. 1939.)
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1070d–33, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419C, as added Pub. L. 98–558, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2900; amended Pub. L. 99–145, title XVI, §1627(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 779, authorized the award of scholarships under Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.
Amendments
2009—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–39 inserted "and" after semicolon at end.
1993—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–208 substituted "for a period of not less than 1 or more than 4 years during the first 4 years of study" for "for a period of not more than 4 years for the first 4 years of study" and inserted at end "The State educational agency administering the program in a State shall have discretion to determine the period of the award (within the limits specified in the preceding sentence), except that—
"(1) if the amount appropriated for this subpart for any fiscal year exceeds the amount appropriated for this subpart for fiscal year 1993, the Secretary shall identify to each State educational agency the number of scholarships available to that State under section 1070d–34(b) of this title that are attributable to such excess;
"(2) the State educational agency shall award not less than that number of scholarships for a period of 4 years."
1992—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–325 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "Scholarships under this section shall be awarded for a period of one academic year for the first year of study at an institution of higher education."
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2009 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 111–39 effective as if enacted on the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–315 (Aug. 14, 2008), see section 3 of Pub. L. 111–39, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.
Effective Date of 1993 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–208 effective on and after Dec. 20, 1993, see section 5(b)(2) of Pub. L. 103–208, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title.
§1070d–34. Allocation among States
(a) Allocation formula
From the sums appropriated pursuant to the authority of section 1070d–41 of this title for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate to each State that has an agreement under section 1070d–35 of this title an amount equal to $1,500 multiplied by the number of scholarships determined by the Secretary to be available to such State in accordance with subsection (b).
(b) Number of scholarships available
The number of scholarships to be made available in a State for any fiscal year shall bear the same ratio to the number of scholarships made available to all States as the State's population ages 5 through 17 bears to the population ages 5 through 17 in all the States, except that not less than 10 scholarships shall be made available to any State.
(c) Use of census data
For the purpose of this section, the population ages 5 through 17 in a State and in all the States shall be determined by the most recently available data, satisfactory to the Secretary, from the Bureau of the Census.
(d) Consolidation by Insular Areas prohibited
Notwithstanding section 1469a of title 48, funds allocated under this part to an Insular Area described in that section shall be deemed to be direct payments to classes of individuals, and the Insular Area may not consolidate such funds with other funds received by the Insular Area from any department or agency of the United States Government.
(e) FAS eligibility
(1) Fiscal years 2000 through 2004
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subpart, in the case of students from the Freely Associated States who may be selected to receive a scholarship under this subpart for the first time for any of the fiscal years 2000 through 2004—
(A) there shall be 10 scholarships in the aggregate awarded to such students for each of the fiscal years 2000 through 2004; and
(B) the Pacific Regional Educational Laboratory shall administer the program under this subpart in the case of scholarships for students in the Freely Associated States.
(2) Termination of eligibility
A student from the Freely Associated States shall not be eligible to receive a scholarship under this subpart after September 30, 2004.
(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419D, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1344; amended Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §406(c), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 509; Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(29), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2460; Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §409(a), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1668; Pub. L. 111–39, title IV, §401(a)(8), July 1, 2009, 123 Stat. 1939.)
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1070d–34, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419D, as added Pub. L. 98–558, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2901, related to allocation among States of amounts for Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.
Amendments
2009—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–39 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 1469a of title 48.
1998—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–244 added subsec. (e).
1993—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–208 added subsec. (d).
1992—Pub. L. 102–325 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "From the sums appropriated pursuant to section 1070d–41 of this title for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate to each State having an agreement under section 1070d–35 of this title—
"(1) $1,500 multiplied by the number of individuals in the State eligible for scholarships pursuant to section 1070d–37(b) of this title, plus
"(2) $10,000, plus 5 percent of the amount to which a State is eligible under paragraph (1) of this section."
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2009 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 111–39 effective as if enacted on the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–315 (Aug. 14, 2008), see section 3 of Pub. L. 111–39, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.
Effective Date of 1993 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–208 effective on and after Oct. 1, 1993, see section 5(b)(1) of Pub. L. 103–208, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title.
§1070d–35. Agreements
The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with each State desiring to participate in the scholarship program authorized by this subpart. Each such agreement shall include provisions designed to assure that—
(1) the State educational agency will administer the scholarship program authorized by this subpart in the State;
(2) the State educational agency will comply with the eligibility and selection provisions of this subpart;
(3) the State educational agency will conduct outreach activities to publicize the availability of scholarships under this subpart to all eligible students in the State, with particular emphasis on activities designed to assure that students from low-income and moderate-income families have access to the information on the opportunity for full participation in the scholarship program authorized by this subpart; and
(4) the State educational agency will pay to each individual in the State who is awarded a scholarship under this subpart $1,500.
(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419E, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1344; amended Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §406(g)(2), (3), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 509.)
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1070d–35, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419E, as added Pub. L. 98–558, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2901; amended Pub. L. 99–145, title XVI, §1627(c), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 779, related to agreements with States for participation in the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.
Amendments
1992—Par. (3). Pub. L. 102–325, §406(g)(2)(A), inserted "and" after semicolon.
Par. (4). Pub. L. 102–325, §406(g)(2)(B), substituted "$1,500." for "$1,500 at an awards ceremony in accordance with section 1070d–39 of this title; and".
Par. (5). Pub. L. 102–325, §406(g)(3), which directed that par. (5) be struck out without specifying the section to which the amendment applied, was executed by striking out par. (5) of this section to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as follows: "the State educational agency will use the amount of the allocation described in paragraph (2) of section 1070d–34 of this title for administrative expenses, including the conduct of the awards ceremony required by section 1070d–39 of this title."
§1070d–36. Eligibility of scholars
(a) High school graduation or equivalent and admission to institution required
Each student awarded a scholarship under this subpart shall be a graduate of a public or private secondary school (or a home school, whether treated as a home school or a private school under State law) or have the equivalent of a certificate of graduation as recognized by the State in which the student resides and must have been admitted for enrollment at an institution of higher education.
(b) Selection based on promise of academic achievement
Each student awarded a scholarship under this subpart must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and show promise of continued academic achievement.
(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419F, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1344; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, §409(a), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3225.)
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1070d–36, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419F, as added Pub. L. 98–558, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2901, related to eligibility of students for scholarships under Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.
Amendments
2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–315 inserted "(or a home school, whether treated as a home school or a private school under State law)" after "public or private secondary school".
§1070d–37. Selection of scholars
(a) Establishment of criteria
The State educational agency is authorized to establish the criteria for the selection of scholars under this subpart.
(b) Adoption of procedures
The State educational agency shall adopt selection procedures designed to ensure an equitable geographic distribution of awards within the State (and in the case of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, or Palau (until such time as the Compact of Free Association is ratified), not to exceed 10 individuals will be selected from such entities).
(c) Consultation requirement
In carrying out its responsibilities under subsections (a) and (b), the State educational agency shall consult with school administrators, school boards, teachers, counselors, and parents.
(d) Timing of selection
The selection process shall be completed, and the awards made, prior to the end of each secondary school academic year.
(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419G, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1345; amended Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §406(d), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 509; Pub. L. 103–208, §2(b)(30), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2460.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
For ratification of Compact of Free Association with the Republic of Palau, referred to in subsec. (b), see Proc. No. 6726, Sept. 27, 1994, 59 F.R. 49777, set out as a note under section 1931 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1070d–37, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419G, as added Pub. L. 98–558, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2901, related to selection of merit scholars under Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.
Amendments
1993—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–208 substituted "the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands," for "the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,".
1992—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–325, §406(d)(1), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "The State educational agency shall adopt selection procedures which are designed to assure that 10 individuals will be selected from among residents of each congressional district in a State (and in the case of the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico not to exceed 10 individuals will be selected in such District or Commonwealth)."
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–325, §406(d)(2), added subsec. (d).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1993 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–208 effective as if included in the Higher Education Amendments of 1992, Pub. L. 102–325, except as otherwise provided, see section 5(a) of Pub. L. 103–208, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title.
§1070d–38. Stipends and scholarship conditions
(a) Amount of award
Each student awarded a scholarship under this subpart shall receive a stipend of $1,500 for the academic year of study for which the scholarship is awarded, except that in no case shall the total amount of financial aid awarded to such student exceed such student's total cost-of-attendance.
(b) Use of award
The State educational agency shall establish procedures to assure that a scholar awarded a scholarship under this subpart pursues a course of study at an institution of higher education.
(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419H, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1345; amended Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §406(e), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 509.)
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1070d–38, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419H, as added Pub. L. 98–558, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2902, related to stipends and scholarship conditions for students receiving scholarships under Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.
Amendments
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–325 inserted before period at end ", except that in no case shall the total amount of financial aid awarded to such student exceed such student's total cost-of-attendance".
Section, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419I, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1345, related to awards ceremony.
A prior section 1070d–39, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419I, as added Pub. L. 98–558, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2902, related to ceremony for awarding scholarships under Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.
§1070d–40. Construction of needs provisions
Except as provided in section 1087kk of this title, nothing in this subpart, or any other Act, shall be construed to permit the receipt of a scholarship under this subpart to be counted for any needs test in connection with the awarding of any grant or the making of any loan under this chapter or any other provision of Federal law relating to educational assistance.
(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419J, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1345; amended Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §406(f), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 509.)
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1070d–40, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419J, as added Pub. L. 98–558, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2902, provided that receipt of scholarship under Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program not be counted for needs test for education grant or loan, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.
Amendments
1992—Pub. L. 102–325 substituted "Except as provided in section 1087kk of this title, nothing" for "Nothing".
§1070d–41. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated for this subpart such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years.
(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419K, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, §401(a), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1346; amended Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §406(h), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 509; Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §409(b), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1668; Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, §409(b), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3225.)
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 1070d–41, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §419K, as added Pub. L. 98–558, title VIII, §801(a), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2902, authorized appropriations for fiscal years 1986 to 1988 to carry out Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.
Amendments
2008—Pub. L. 110–315 substituted "such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years" for "$45,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years".
1998—Pub. L. 105–244 substituted "$45,000,000 for fiscal year 1999" for "$10,000,000 for fiscal year 1993".
1992—Pub. L. 102–325 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "There are authorized to be appropriated for this subpart $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1987, and such sums as may be necessary for the 4 succeeding fiscal years."
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.