independent
(2) Evaluation of success of investment in national service (A) Evaluation required The Corporation shall arrange for the independent evaluation of the operation of division C to determine the levels of participation of economically disadvantaged individuals in national service programs carried out or supported using assistance provided under section 12571 of this title . (B) Period covered by evaluation The evaluation required by this paragraph shall cover the period beginning on the date the Corporation first makes a grant under section 12571 of this title , and ending on a date that is as close as is practicable to the the first date that a report is submitted under subsection (b)(11) after the effective date of the Serve America Act. (C) Income levels of participants The evaluating entity shall determine the total income of each participant who serves, during the period covered by the evaluation, in a national service program carried out or supported using assistance provided under section 12571 of this title or in an approved national service position. The total income of the participant shall be determined as of the date the participant was first selected to participate in such a program and shall include family total income unless the evaluating entity determines that the participant was independent at the time of selection. (D) Assistance for distressed areas The evaluating entity shall also determine the amount of assistance provided under section 12571 of this title during the period covered by the report that has been expended for projects conducted in areas of economic distress described in section 12585(c)(6) of this title . (E) Definitions As used in this paragraph: (i) Independent The term “independent” has the meaning given the term in section 480(d) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087vv(d) ). (ii) Total income The term “total income” has the meaning given the term in section 480(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087vv(a) ).