In 2010, Governor Sean Parnell signed a law creating the Alaska Performance Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship intended to provide incentive for Alaska students to take a more rigorous curriculum to better prepare for college or job training and success. The scholarship is awarded to students who have a 2.5 GPA in high school, earn a minimum score on standardized tests (21 ACT, 1450 SAT) and demonstrate unmet financial need. Those who qualify can attend accredited, Alaska post-secondary institutions, including colleges, universities and job-training programs with awards up to about $5,000. The maximum level — based on a combination of minimum GPA and test scores — can not exceed the costs of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, room and board, books and more). Students may remain eligible for up to eight semesters, but must fully use the APS within six years of high school graduation.