The governor and state Senate leaders have a plan to help students, beginning with the Class of 2008, who make it through 2 years of college with at least a 2.5 grade-point average. The New Merit Scholarship program would revamp the current plan to increase the money available for college-bound students to $4,000 from the current $2,500 -- with some college payments delayed two years. Under the new plan, both college freshmen and sophomores who passed the state assessment test while in high school would receive a $1,000 grant. They would get another $2,000 if they earn a 2-year associate\'s degree or become juniors at a 4-year university and have a minimum 2.5 grade-point average. Those who don\'t qualify through the high school assessment test would be paid the full $4,000 after they finish 2 years of community college, or reach junior year at a 4-year university.