A. The industry-recognized certification and licensure reimbursement fund is established and consists of legislative appropriations, gifts, grants and other donations. The department of education shall administer the fund. Monies in the fund are continuously appropriated and are exempt from the provisions of section 35-190 relating to lapsing of appropriations.

B. The department shall use monies in the fund to eliminate or reduce exam costs to obtain industry-recognized certificates and licenses for low-income students. To qualify for reimbursement, a student shall:

1. Successfully pass a certificate or license exam related to a career and technical education program.

2. Meet eligibility requirements established under the national school lunch and child nutrition acts (42 United States Code §§ 1751 through 1793) for free or reduced-price lunches.

3. Apply to the career and technical education district to receive reimbursement for the cost of the exam. The career and technical education district shall apply to the department to receive reimbursement for the cost of the exam.

C. If the available fund monies are not sufficient to cover the costs of all qualified applicants, the department shall reduce the reward amount for each student in proportion to the exam cost.