(a) Selection of recipients.

1. (1) The final responsibility for selecting recipients shall rest with the Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education.

2. (2)

   1. (A) Applications for additional education in the following areas will receive first priority for awards:

(i) Science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields;

1. (ii) Computer science;

   1. (iii) Literacy or reading;

      1. (iv) Prekindergarten education; or
      2. (v) Special education.
   2. (B) If funds remain after awarding all eligible applicants in the areas listed above, applicants will be ranked according to criteria developed in conjunction with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, focusing on statewide needs.

(b) Notification of recipients.

1. (1) Selected recipients will receive an award notice stating their eligibility for the program.

2. (2) The award notice will include, where applicable, the student's:

   1. (A) Name;
   2. (B) Social security number; and
   3. (C) Award amount.