(1)    There is established, to be administered by the board, a grant program for postsecondary resident students who satisfy the eligibility criteria under 20 U.S. Code § 1091 (a) (1) and (2). Except as authorized under sub. (5), such grants shall be made only to students enrolled in nonprofit public institutions or tribally controlled colleges in this state.

   (2)   The board shall award talent incentive grants to uniquely needy students enrolled at least half-time as first-time freshmen at public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education located in this state and to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who received such grants as freshmen. No grant under this subsection may exceed $1,800 for any academic year. The board may award a grant under this subsection to the same student for up to 10 semesters or their equivalent, but may not award such a grant to the same student more than 6 years after the initial grant is awarded to that student. A student need not maintain continuous enrollment at an institution of higher education to remain eligible for a grant under this subsection. The board shall promulgate rules establishing eligibility criteria for grants under this subsection. No provision of this subsection applies to a grant under sub. (1).

   (2m)   The board may award a grant under sub. (1) to the same student for up to 10 semesters of full-time enrollment or, as determined by the board, the equivalent of 10 semesters of full-time enrollment. If the student receiving the grant is enrolled less than full time in any semester or session, only the fraction of the student’s enrollment, in proportion to full-time enrollment, shall be applied toward this 10-semester limit.

   (3)   The board shall, by rule, establish a reporting system to periodically provide student economic data related to applicants for grants under sub. (1) and shall promulgate other rules the board deems necessary to assure uniform administration of the program.

   (4)   

      (a)    The board shall award grants under this section based on the current federal need analysis formula consistent with generally accepted definitions and nationally approved need analysis methodology.

      (d)    The awarding of grants under this section is subject to any formula approved or modified by the board under s. 39.285 (1).

   (5)   The board shall ensure that grants under this section are made available to students attending private or public institutions in this state who are deaf or hard of hearing or visually impaired and who demonstrate need. Grants may also be made available to such students attending private or public institutions in other states under criteria established by the board. In determining the financial need of these students special consideration shall be given to their unique and unusual costs.

   (6)   The board may not make a grant under this section to a person whose name appears on the statewide support lien docket under s. 49.854 (2) (b), unless the person provides to the board a payment agreement that has been approved by the county child support agency under s. 59.53 (5) and that is consistent with rules promulgated under s. 49.858 (2) (a).

   (8)   The board shall award grants under this section to University of Wisconsin System students from the appropriation under s. 20.235 (1) (fe). The board shall ensure that University of Wisconsin System students enrolled in an agricultural short course who are eligible under sub. (1) are awarded grants as provided in sub. (4).