(1) Selection committee.

The board may select participants based on an application process conducted by the board or the board may utilize selection processes for similar students in cooperation with the professional educator standards board or the office of superintendent of public instruction. If the board selects participants for the program, it shall establish a selection committee for the screening and selecting of the conditional scholarship and loan repayment participants. If a selection committee is established, it may include (but shall not be limited to) representatives from the professional educator standards board, the office of superintendent of public instruction, the Washington education association, the state board for community and technical colleges, the colleges of education, and other community organizations.

(2) Role of selection committee.

The committee will act on behalf of the board to select participants and alternates from the pool(s) of eligible applicants who have submitted applications to the board. The committee will also advise board staff and the board on recommended changes in the program administration, including the application and selection procedures for future competitions.

(3) Selection of participants.

(a) Once all initial eligibility criteria are met, the committee will give priority to:

(i) Individuals seeking certification or an additional endorsement in math, science, technology, or special education; and

(ii) For fiscal year 2005, individuals who are bilingual.

(b) The committee may consider, but are not limited to, the following items in the ranking and providing of conditional scholarships awards and loan repayments benefits:

(i) Ability to act as a role model for students.

(ii) Applicant's statement evidencing commitment to the teaching profession, especially in a shortage area.

(iii) Bilingual ability.

(iv) Class level equal to upper division or graduate standing.

(v) Community contributions.

(vi) Leadership ability.

(vii) Length of time to complete teacher certification or additional shortage area endorsement.

(viii) Recommendation from a school teacher or official describing the applicant's qualifications as a current or potential teacher.

(ix) Superior scholastic achievement.

(4) Criteria for renewal.

If sufficient funds are available for renewing program benefits, previous participants will be required to submit renewal information to the board by the stated deadline. The board may consider, but is not limited to, these factors in approving renewal requests:

(a) Confirmation that the participant still plans to be a certificated classroom teacher in an approved education program in the state of Washington.

(b) An updated educational plan. Failure to complete an educational plan as previously approved by the board may result in the denial of a participant's renewal request.

(c) Verification that the participant is in good standing and maintaining satisfactory academic progress according to the institution's normal requirements.

(5) Five-year limit.

Participants are eligible to renew program benefits for a maximum program participation of the equivalent of five academic years of full-time study.