The RAP offers both undergraduate and graduate students the ability to receive financial assistance in exchange for part-time or full-time work and/or community service.

Public university and community college campuses across the state were asked to develop pilot programs, with the "America Reads" program receiving top priority.

"The Regents' Award Program offers students a unique opportunity to develop an outstanding record of accomplishment in their chosen career field as well as make a positive contribution to their community," said Board Chair Dr. Jill Derby.

To be eligible, students must be enrolled in at least six credits of academic work and enrolled in a degree or certificate program. Candidates must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Head of household
• Single parent
• Age 22 or over and have never attended college or have been out of school two or more years
• No support from parents or family
• Unusual family or financial circumstances
• First generation college-bound

Students who meet multiple criteria are given priority. Nevada students will receive first priority in the distribution of these awards.

Each campus within the University and Community College System of Nevada (UCCSN) has been asked to develop a plan for these positions and identify one individual who will have oversight of the program. The final plans will be submitted to the Acting Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Jane Nichols. The RAP states that the student positions:

• Must be consistent with the student's career objective, service objective or academic area of interest.
• Must make a contribution to the state of Nevada, the community and/or the university or college.
• May be on- or -off campus.
• Must reflect a high level of skill or knowledge needed for service programs or reflect a service mission of the UCCSN institution in which the student is enrolled.
• May include summer service programs in which students work as much as full-time.

The distribution of the RAP funds for the next two academic years is awarded to each institution based on their 1996-97 full-time equivalent figures as follows:

• University of Nevada, Las Vegas - $881,400
• University of Nevada, Reno - $590,200
• Community College of Southern Nevada - $683,800
• Great Basin College - $67,600
• Truckee Meadows Community College - $257,400
• Western Nevada Community College - $119,600

All campuses were asked to submit a report on the use of these funds by Feb. 25, 1998. The Student Affairs Council will review these reports, and based on that review, develop recommendations for the 1998-99 academic year.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 76,000 students.