Institutions of Higher Education - Dually Enrolled Students - Alterations

SB 879 expands eligibility for two Maryland higher education grant programs by redefining "dually enrolled student" to include students from nonpublic secondary schools and home schools. This change directly affects those students, who were previously excluded from applying for the Part-Time Grant Program and Early College Access Grant. The bill amends specific sections of Maryland's education code (15-127, 18-1401, and 18-14A-01) to update the definition, ensuring these students qualify for financial aid when taking college courses while still in secondary education. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2025.