20 U.S.C. § 1070d–36: Eligibility of scholars

(a) High school graduation or equivalent and admission to institution requiredEach student awarded a scholarship under this subpart shall be a graduate of a public or private secondary school (or a home school, whether treated as a home school or a private school under State law) or have the equivalent of a certificate of graduation as recognized by the State in which the student resides and must have been admitted for enrollment at an institution of higher education. (b) Selection based on promise of academic achievementEach student awarded a scholarship under this subpart must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and show promise of continued academic achievement.