(a) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, for 1 year for each year that the recipient receives a scholarship under this subtitle, a scholarship recipient shall:

(i) Work in the State in the cybersecurity field for a:

1. A. Local education agency;

B. Public high school; or

C. Community college; or

2. Unit of:

A. State government;

B. County government; or

C. City or municipal government; or

(ii) Teach in the State in an education program that is directly relevant to cybersecurity in:

1. A public high school; or

2. A community college.

(2) (i) Subject to subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, the Office shall adopt guidelines on or before January 1, 2023, establishing a work obligation, appropriately prorated, for a scholarship recipient who receives a scholarship as a part-time student.

(ii) The work obligation for a part-time student shall equal the amount of time needed for an equivalent full-time student to complete the certification.

(iii) The work obligation for a part-time student may not exceed 3 years.

(b) In accordance with § 18-112 of this title, a scholarship recipient shall repay the Commission the funds received under this subtitle if the recipient does not:

(1) Earn credit as a full-time student as defined in regulations adopted by the Office for the Program or as a part-time student as required in § 18-3503(f) of this subtitle;

(2) Complete an approved degree or certificate program that is directly relevant to cybersecurity at an eligible institution; and

(3) Perform the work obligation required under subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a recipient shall begin repayment at any time during the period that the recipient is no longer performing the work obligation required under subsection (a) of this section.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this section, repayment shall be made to the State within 6 years after the repayment period begins and shall follow a repayment schedule established by the Office.

(e) The Office may waive or defer repayment in the event of disability or extended sickness that prevents the recipient from fulfilling the work obligation required under subsection (a) of this section.