(a) The Arkansas Governor's Scholars Program scholarships are to be awarded to those students who demonstrate the highest capabilities for successful college study.

(b) A student is eligible for this scholarship if he or she:

(1) Meets the admission requirements and is accepted for enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student in an eligible public or private college or university in Arkansas;

(2)

(A) Is a bona fide resident of the state, as defined by the Department of Higher Education.

(B) Preference will be given to students who plan to enter college at the beginning of the academic year directly following their last year of high school attendance;

(3) Is a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien;

(4) Graduates from a high school;

(5)

(A) Demonstrates proficiency in the application of knowledge and skills in reading and writing literacy and mathematics by passing the end-of-course examination as may be developed by the Department of Education and as may be designated by the Department of Higher Education for this purpose.

(B) "End-of-course" assessment means those assessments defined in § 6-15-419 [repealed]; and

(6) (A) Satisfies the qualifications of superior academic ability as established by the Department of Higher Education with criteria consisting of value points for academic achievement and leadership, including without limitation:

(i) American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score, National Merit Finalist, or National Achievement Finalist;

(ii) High school grade point average;

(iii) Rank in high school class; and

(iv) Leadership in school, community, and employment.

(B)

(i) The Department of Higher Education may alter the weight assigned to the individual criterion to more appropriately meet the needs of the state as determined by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(ii) The Department of Higher Education shall ensure that the weight assigned to each individual criterion under this subdivision (b)(6)(B) does not place a home-schooled, public school, or private school student at a disadvantage.

(iii)

(a) After determining qualified recipients based on the qualifications under subdivision (b)(6)(A) of this section, the Department of Higher Education shall ensure that at least one (1) recipient is selected from each of the seventy-five (75) counties in Arkansas.

(b) If any of the seventy-five (75) counties is not represented, the Department of Higher Education shall select a student from each nonrepresented county with the highest qualifications under subdivision (b)(6)(A) of this section who was not initially qualified.

(c) The scholarship shall be weighed on the factors of achievement, ability, and demonstrated leadership capabilities.

(d) Students who are selected as Arkansas Governor's Scholars who also exhibit extraordinary academic ability as defined in this subchapter shall be designated as Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholars.