(a) To enhance the success of students at institutions of higher education, the board by rule shall:
(1) develop higher education bridge programs in the subject areas of mathematics, science, social science, or English language arts to increase student success by reducing the need for developmental education;
(2) develop incentive programs for institutions of higher education that implement research-based, innovative developmental education initiatives;
(3) develop a pilot program to award grants to institutions of higher education for intensive programs designed to address the needs of students at risk of dropping out of college;
(4) develop professional development programs for faculty of institutions of higher education on college readiness standards and the implications of such standards on instruction; and
(5) develop other programs as determined by the board that support the participation and success goals in “Closing the Gaps,” the state’s master plan for higher education.
(b) The board may award a grant under Subsection (a)(3) to an institution of higher education only if at least 50 percent of the students served in the program:
(1) have a score on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) that is less than the national mean score for that test;
(2) have been awarded a grant under the federal Pell grant program;
(3) are at least 20 years of age on the date the student enrolls as a first-time freshman in the institution of higher education;
(4) have enrolled or will initially enroll as a part-time student; or
(5) meet any other requirements established by the board.