(a) In selecting recipients, the Education Assistance Program Committee considers, at a minimum the:

• (1) applicant's two most recent Form OPM-111s, Performance Management Process (PMP).  All applicants must have received a rating of meets standards or higher on all areas on their two most recent performance evaluations;
• (2) applicant's length of service with the Department;
• (3) applicant's current attendance or enrollment in classes in a college or vocational-technical program;
• (4) applicant's pursuit of a course of study which directly benefits DHS;
• (5) applicant's remaining length of time to graduation, if pursuing a course of study towards a certification or degree;
• (6) degree or certification the applicant is working towards;
• (7) priority ranking received by the applicant from his or her senior administrator as defined in DHS:2-17-18(c);
• (8) completeness of the application packet; and
• (9) letters of recommendation from the immediate and reviewing supervisors.

(b) Assistance is awarded based on the criteria stated in subsection (a), documents provided, Department needs, priorities, and available funding.

(c) Assistance is awarded based on criteria applied equally to all applicants.