(a) It is hereby established a STATE Service Corps, administered by the STATE Department of Labor (or analogous state entity). The Service Corps shall provide interested applicants with service opportunities deemed most likely to further an applicant’s stated educational and professional interests. The services to be provided include, but are not limited to:

• (i) green jobs in service of activities or industries that contribute substantially to preserving or restoring environmental quality;

• (ii) health services by applicants with the necessary qualifications to provide medical, dental, psychological, or other related services as deemed appropriate by Service Corps administration;

• (iii) services that benefit the developmental and educational needs of early childhood; and

• (iv) services that provide exposure to, and participation in, the Arts or Humanities.

(b) Individuals who complete a term of service, shall be eligible for an education grant to be used for either tuition costs at eligible institutions of higher learning or student loan repayment.

(c) Funding for the education grant shall be comprised of any federal dollars allocated for implementing community service programs, with necessary additional funding allocated through STATE budgetary procedures.

(d) The STATE Service Corps shall, in consultation with administrative agencies deemed relevant and necessary by the STATE Legislature, have the following powers and duties:

• (i) to recruit and select Service Corps professionals for service in eligible institutions, facilities, or professions;

• (ii) to place Service Corps professionals in eligible institutions and facilities pursuant to agreements with the appropriate eligible institutions and facilities;

• (iii) to develop criteria for the selection of applicants for placement under this program including, but not limited to, the individual’s academic achievement, previous work experience in the relevant industry or related services, a demonstrated interest in working with vulnerable populations or providing community service;

• (iv) to accept and expend any grants, awards or other funds or appropriations as may be available to effectuate the purposes of this Act subject to the limitations as to the approval of expenditures and audit as prescribed for state funds by STATE finance law; and

• (v) to do any and all other things necessary to carry out its functions, powers and duties and to effectuate the purposes of this Act.

(e) The nature and extent of a proposed service project shall be submitted in writing to the appropriate delegated oversight entity prior to expending any public funds.