(a) Participation in programs and activities financially assisted in whole or in part under this Chapter, shall be open to citizens and nationals of the United States, lawfully admitted permanent resident aliens, and other individuals authorized by the U. S. Attorney General to reside and work in the United States.

(b) An individual shall be eligible to participate in programs receiving assistance under this Chapter, only if such individual meets the criteria under Subsection (a) of this Section, is aged 14 to 25 years of age at the time of enrollment, is enrolled in a middle, secondary, post-secondary school or an institution offering a certified high school equivalency program and is meeting or has met the minimum academic and attendance requirements of that school or education program during the current or most recent term.