(a)    There is a program of loan assistance repayment known as the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program in the State.

(b)    The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall assist in the repayment of the amount of any higher education loan owed by an individual who:

(1)    (i)    Receives a graduate, professional, or undergraduate degree from:

1.    A college or university in the State of Maryland; or

2.    A school of law; or

(ii)    Receives a Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC) from the Department after completing an alternative teaching preparation program approved by the State Superintendent;

(2)    Obtains eligible employment;

(3)    Receives an income that is less than the maximum eligible total income levels established by the Office, including any additional sources of income; and

(4)    Satisfies any other criteria established by the Office.

(c)    Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Office shall assist in the repayment of the amount of any higher education loan owed by a public school teacher in the State who:

(1)    Has taught in Maryland for at least 2 years:

(i)    In science, technology, engineering, or math subjects; or

(ii)    In a school in which at least 75% of the students are enrolled in the free and reduced price lunch program in the State; and

(2)    Has received the highest performance evaluation rating for the most recent year available in the county in which the teacher taught.

(d)    (1)    A grant awarded under subsection (c) of this section shall be known as the Nancy Grasmick Teacher Award.

(2)    A recipient of a Nancy Grasmick Teacher Award shall be known as a Nancy Grasmick Teacher Scholar.

(e)    An applicant for assistance in the repayment of a commercial loan shall demonstrate to the Office that the commercial loan was used for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses for graduate or undergraduate study.

(f)    Assistance in the repayment of a loan from an entity set forth in § 18–1501(c)(2) of this subtitle shall require the approval of the Office.

(g)    Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Office shall assist in the repayment of the amount of any higher education loan owed by a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor, a licensed clinical marriage and family therapy counselor, or a licensed clinical professional counselor whose practice is located in a high–need geographic area of the State as determined by the Maryland Department of Health.