Institutions of Higher Education - Dually Enrolled Students - Alterations

HB 725 expands eligibility for two Maryland higher education grant programs by amending the definition of "dually enrolled student" to include students from nonpublic secondary schools and home schools. This change allows these students to apply for the Part-Time Grant Program (under §18-1401) and the Early College Access Grant (under §18-14A-01), which provide financial aid for college courses taken while still in high school. The bill modifies existing sections of Maryland’s education code (specifically §§15-127, 18-1401, 18-14A-01, 18-14A-02, and 18-14A-03) to reflect this expanded definition. The policy change directly affects home-schooled and nonpublic school students seeking college credit through dual enrollment, without altering grant amounts or application requirements. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.