A. The board of regents of the New Mexico military institute may establish a public safety officer education program for students interested in careers in public safety.

B. Subject to available funding, the board of regents of the New Mexico military institute may offer public safety officer education scholarships to New Mexico residents who enroll in the public safety officer education program. With the advice of the department of public safety, the board of regents shall establish criteria for awarding the public safety officer education scholarships and, with the cooperation of the department of public safety, may establish internship programs with public safety agencies for scholarship recipients.