(a) A community or political subdivision located in a rural county that qualifies under the rules of the committee may become a sponsor of an eligible participant and may provide financial support to the eligible participant under the program.
(b) To participate as a sponsor in the program, the community or political subdivision must enter into an agreement with the eligible participant to provide financial support to the eligible participant in an amount not less than the tuition and fees required for a full academic year for a student enrolled in a college in exchange for the eligible participant’s agreement to practice veterinary medicine in the sponsoring community or political subdivision.

(c) Financial support under this section:
(1) may be provided in whole or part by a grant, scholarship, or funds provided by a private foundation; and
(2) shall be deposited in the account for distribution to the eligible participant.