(a) The State Board of Career Education shall certify eligibility for persons who meet the following conditions:
(1) Are citizens of the United States or permanent resident aliens;
(2) Are admitted to an approved program resulting in a diploma, certificate, or degree in a high-demand technical field;
(3) Have a grade point average as required in the rules and regulations for administration of this loan forgiveness program for the specified technical field; and
(4) Indicate an intention to work in Arkansas in the high-demand technical field for which they receive the training.
(b) Students must apply for the loan forgiveness program and be selected by a process administered by the board.