Section 248. Establishment of probation scholarships

The  division  of
  probation and correctional  alternatives,  under  regulations  which  it
  shall  prescribe, and out of moneys appropriated to it for that purpose,
  is authorized to grant scholarships for graduate training in any  course
  of study that would be of substantial value in the field of probation at
  graduate  schools located within the state whose programs are registered
  by the regents.
    Each such scholarship shall entitle the holder thereof to a sum not to
  exceed four thousand dollars annually while in attendance at any of  the
  said  schools  for  a  period  not  to  exceed  two  years  of  graduate
  professional study.
    Scholarships under this section shall be awarded only to residents  of
  the  state of New York who hold a degree of bachelor of arts or bachelor
  of science from a college or university, or the equivalent thereof.
    The director, after consultation with the state probation  commission,
  shall   make  rules  governing  the  award  of  such  scholarships,  the
  publication  of  notices  offering  scholarships,   the   issuance   and
  cancellation  of certificates entitling persons to the benefits thereof,
  the use of such  scholarships  by  the  persons  entitled  thereto,  the
  courses  that may be included under such scholarships, the schools which
  may be attended under  such  scholarships,  the  rights  and  duties  of
  scholarship  holders and of the schools which they attend, and providing
  generally for the  carrying  into  effect  of  the  provisions  of  this
  section;  and  may,  by  appropriate  rule, require that holders of such
  scholarships be available for employment in probation work in the  state
  of  New  York  upon  the  completion  of  the  training  for  which  the
  scholarship is provided. The director shall, after consultation with the
  state  probation  commission,  award  such  scholarships   within   such
  established rules, and any scholarship may be revoked for cause.
    Payments  of money under this section may be made to the holder of the
  scholarship or to the school or college attended under the  scholarship,
  on behalf of, and for the benefit of, the holder of the scholarship.
    Payments of money shall be ordered by the comptroller upon vouchers of
  the  director  certifying  that  the person named therein is entitled to
  receive the sum either directly, or for his or her benefit.