(a) A student shall be eligible to participate in a program if the student is:
(1) A disadvantaged child as defined in § 8–101 of this title;
(2) An at–risk youth;
(3) A resident of the State; and
(4) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, enrolled in grade 5 or grade 6.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(4) of this section, a student enrolled in grade 7 or higher shall be eligible to participate in a program if:
(1) The student is otherwise eligible under subsection (a) of this section; and
(2) An operator files an appropriate plan under § 8–704.1 of this subtitle.