High students looking to earn a Michigan Merit Award scholarship may not have to do 40 hours of community service after all.

State Attorney General Mike Cox has ruled that the new requirement is void because it does not relate to academic achievement.

A state board decided last year to require volunteer work starting with the class of 2006.

But Cox says the Legislature limited the board's power to imposing extra requirements only if they increase access to postsecondary education or reward graduates who have succeeded academically.

Requiring 40 hours of community service does neither, according to Cox.

The Merit Award program gives up to $2500 to high school students who do well on a state standardized test.