(a) In addition to awarding HEI grants, the University of the District of Columbia may establish and administer a scholarship-award program for qualified individuals who have an interest in the pre-k education field. In exchange for a commitment to teach in the pre-k-education system in the District for 3 years, the University of the District of Columbia may provide a scholarship to the HEI program, as well as a stipend, to a qualified applicant.
(b)
(1) A qualified applicant shall be an individual who has graduated from college within 3 years of submission of the application.
(2) A preference shall be given to individuals who:
(A) Are domiciled in the District;
(B) Graduated from a District college or university; or
(C) Commit to be domiciled in the District within 180 days of accepting a scholarship.
(c) An individual who accepts the scholarship and fails to fulfill the 3-year commitment shall be required to repay the scholarship.