HCS/SB 980 – This act creates the urban flight and rural needs scholarship program to provide scholarships for students entering teacher education programs who commit to teaching at schools with a higher than average at-risk population. Teachers must teach two years for every year he or she receives the scholarship. Under current law, student loans are available to students who have applied to be a full-time nursing student. This act redefines eligible student so that only students who have been accepted as full-time nursing students are eligible for the loans. Under current law, 25% of the loan is forgiven for each year of full-time employment as a licensed nurse. This act allows for forgiveness of all of the financial assistance in the event of full-time employment. This act is similar to HB 1234 (2006). CHRIS HOGERTY