(a) General rule.--From the funds appropriated for the purposes of this subchapter, grants shall be provided to eligible members for the purpose of pursuing approved programs of education. An educational assistance grant shall be treated as a benefit earned by an eligible member for honorable service to the country and this Commonwealth.

(b) Promissory notes.--Upon the receipt of the grant, an eligible member shall sign a promissory note obligating the eligible member to repay the full amount of the grant if the eligible member fails to fulfill the service obligation under section 3207(a) (relating to recoupment of grant payments).