(1) Based on current federal TANF participation rates, the department will set and allow a limited number of TANF recipients to continue postsecondary education activities under the Parents as Scholars Program if:

(a) the participant has completed an assessment/screening which includes 12 months of successful postsecondary school attendance as a TANF recipient;

(b) the participant's course work will lead to a degree or certificate in the approved program;

(c) the participant does not have a baccalaureate degree or a certification in a field for which a degree or certificate was previously awarded;

(d) the participant is enrolled full time in an approved educational program in a unit of the Montana university system as provided in 20-25-201 , MCA, or any other accredited college in Montana, or enrolled online with an accredited college whose credits are transferable in their entirety to an approved educational program in Montana, or is enrolled in an accredited high school or training program approved by the department by rule;

(e) the participant is making satisfactory progress in accordance with the requirements of the institution the participant is attending;

(f) the participant has developed a comprehensive plan for the completion of the course of study and the attainment of a degree or certificate, regardless of the number of months remaining on the individual's TANF time clock;

(g) the training provides skills that will lead to gainful employment in Montana in an area where the participant lives, or the participant is willing to relocate to an area within the United States where the acquired skills will lead to gainful employment;

(h) the participant is cooperating with paternity and child support enforcement requirements; and

(i) the participant completes a 180-hour work activity requirement in a 12-month period that may include work study, internships, or paid employment.

(2) If applicants for the Parents as Scholars Program exceed the number of available openings as determined by the department, applicants will be chosen on the basis of merit determined on the basis of:

(a) proximity to graduation with a degree or certification;

(b) probability of the degree or certification leading to gainful employment in the state;

(c) academic history, including but not limited to grade point average and any history of academic probation;

(d) any sanctions history; and

(e) chronology of application.