(a)THEC shall establish and administer a qualified work-based learninggrant program to incentivize employer participation in work-based learning and to assist employers with costs associated with work-based learning.(b) There is created a separate fund within the general fund to be known as the qualified work-based learning grant fund.(c) The grant fund is composed of:
(1) Funds specifically appropriated by the general assembly for the grant fund; and(2) Gifts, grants, and other donations received for the grant fund.(d) Moneys in the grant fund must be invested by the state treasurer for the benefit of the grant fund in accordance with § 9-4-603. Interest accruing on investments and deposits of the grant fund must be returned to the grant fund and remain part of the grant fund.(e) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.](f) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.](g) THEC shall select a program operator to administer the program established by this part and shall issue a grant from funds available in the qualified work-based learning grant fund to the program operator selected by THEC.