(1) To encourage community service participation among students in institutions of higher education, there is established a higher education community service voucher program within the Oregon Student Assistance Commission. The commission shall allocate the amount available to it for the purposes under ORS 348.427 to 348.436 by awarding the institution’s share of the amount to each institution of higher education in this state that is eligible for or whose students are eligible for financial aid under Title IV, Part B, of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended. The institution’s share shall be based on the proportion of its enrollment of full-time students to the enrollment of full-time students in all institutions of higher education in this state.
(2) An institution of higher education in this state that receives an amount under subsection (1) of this section shall award amounts from the institution’s share to various academic departments in the institution. Vouchers awarded to eligible voucher recipients shall be in $35 denominations for each eight hours of eligible community service. Priority shall be given to otherwise eligible applicants who have applied previously but not been awarded a place in the voucher program.
(3) In order to be eligible, a voucher recipient must perform approved services for at least 20 hours per week in one term for a state or local government entity or a nonprofit social service agency recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. However, a voucher recipient shall not be assigned duties that are performed by a public employee if the assignment would displace the public employee. A voucher recipient may be assigned within the institution to assist in maintaining the program authorized by ORS 348.427 to 348.436.
(4) A voucher recipient is eligible for the voucher awards for only one term as an undergraduate student. In addition to the vouchers, the recipient shall receive graded academic credit to be determined by the institution. However, participation in the program does not replace any practicum or internship required for a degree. [1993 c.765 §40; 1999 c.704 §13]
Section: Previous 348.403 348.405 348.406 348.410 348.415 348.420 348.425 348.427 348.429 348.431 348.433 348.436 348.450 348.460 348.470 NextLast modified: August 7, 2008