(a) As part of the minority advancement program, the Office of Higher Education shall establish a Connecticut collegiate awareness and preparation program to develop linkages with public school systems targeted by the office for the purpose of providing motivation and skills development for middle school or high school underachievers.

(b) Funding for said program shall be on a competitive basis open to all Connecticut institutions of higher education. The Office of Higher Education shall issue a request for proposals to all Connecticut higher educational institutions. A panel shall review applications on the basis of an evaluation format developed by said office. Payment will be made under contractual agreements between the office and the grant recipients.