Sec. 51.857. GRANT PROGRAM

(a) The coordinating board shall use money appropriated under Section 52.856 to award grants as described by Subsection (c) on a competitive, peer-review basis to eligible engineering institutions, eligible computer science institutions, and eligible private or independent engineering institutions meeting the requirements of Subsection (d) to:

(1) increase the number of graduates with baccalaureate degrees in engineering and computer science;

(2) increase the size of engineering and computer science programs;

(3) recruit students to enter engineering and computer science programs, including:

(A) students from groups or backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the fields of engineering and computer science, including female students; and

(B) students from public or private junior colleges or technical institutes;

(4) provide scholarships for students in engineering and computer science programs;

(5) provide retention and mentoring programs for students in engineering and computer science programs;

(6) provide supplemental compensation for faculty and support personnel in engineering and computer science departments;

(7) provide research and laboratory equipment to engineering and computer science departments;

(8) provide for distance learning programs in engineering and computer science; and

(9) fund other related activities.

(b) In awarding grants under this section, the coordinating board shall consider with respect to the engineering or computer science program of each eligible institution:

(1) faculty;

(2) instructional and research resources;

(3) current enrollment;

(4) quality of curriculum;

(5) placement record of graduates;

(6) past performance in increasing graduates; and

(7) any other appropriate factor.

(c) The coordinating board may award a grant under this section only to fund a new project or activity or the expansion or enhancement of an existing project or activity. The coordinating board may not award a grant under this section to replace current funding for an existing project or activity.

(d) To receive a grant awarded under this section, an eligible private or independent engineering institution must match the amount of the grant with an equal amount of contributions made by that institution for the project or activity for which the grant is awarded.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 146, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 51.837 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(26), 3(b), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.