Section 3641-A. Excelsior scholars program for grade seven mathematics and science students

The commissioner shall establish an excelsior scholars  program for grade seven mathematics and  science  students  pursuant  to
  this  section  and  regulations  of  the  commissioner  adopted for such
  purpose.  Within  the  amounts  appropriated  for  this   purpose,   the
  commissioner  shall  award  grants  on a competitive basis to public and
  independent colleges and universities to conduct  summer  programs  that
  shall provide advanced coursework in mathematics and science to students
  designated   as   excelsior   scholars   and,  as  funds  permit,  other
  high-performing students who have completed seventh grade.
    1. Each year, the commissioner shall identify  up  to  three  thousand
  high  performing  seventh grade students in mathematics and science from
  students nominated by each public middle  school,  junior  high  school,
  intermediate  school  or  junior/senior  high  school,  or  kindergarten
  through secondary school. The commissioner by regulation shall prescribe
  the maximum number of students that may be  nominated  by  each  school,
  which  may  vary  based  on  the size of the school, which shall include
  equal  numbers  of  male  and  female  students.  After  review  by  the
  commissioner,  qualified students shall be certified to the governor for
  recognition as an excelsior scholar.
    2. The commissioner shall conduct a competitive  process  under  which
  financial  grants are awarded to each college and university approved to
  provide appropriate advanced coursework to  excelsior  scholars  in  the
  summer  months,  subject  to  the availability of funds appropriated for
  such purpose.
    3. The regulations of the commissioner shall provide for  coordination
  of  the  program with the seven centers for excellence in technology and
  the programs offered by such centers, to the extent practicable.