(a) In accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the state board of education and on the recommendation of the commissioner of education, grants and technical assistance shall be awarded to public and not-for-profit organizations that provide, or propose to provide, after school educational programs in this state.

(b) An organization shall be eligible if the organization operates, or proposes to operate, a program that is available to students on an average of fifteen (15) hours per week and includes, at a minimum:

(1) Reading skills development and enhancement;

(2) Math or science skills development and enhancement;

(3) Academic mentoring or tutorial assistance; and

(4) Sports or leisure opportunities.

(c) Programs shall be designed to comprehensively address the educational, health and social service needs of children who are five (5) years of age or older and enrolled in the elementary or secondary grades. The program shall maintain an enrollment of children of which at least fifty percent (50%) of the students enrolled meet one (1) of the following requirements; provided, however, that preference shall be given to programs that maintain an enrollment of children of which at least eighty percent (80%) of the students meet one (1) of the following requirements:

(1) Qualify for free and reduced lunch pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1771;

(2) Are at risk of educational disadvantage and failure due to circumstances of abuse, neglect or disability;

(3) Are at risk of state custody due to family dysfunction;

(4) Are enrolled in and attending a public school failing to make adequate yearly progress;

(5) Are attending a public school, including a public charter school, instead of a public school failing to make adequate yearly progress as a result of parent choice; or

(6) Are at risk of failing one (1) or more subjects or are behind grade level by at least one (1) year.

(d) The commissioner of education shall encourage lottery-funded after-school programs to provide extended learning that is complementary to school curricula.