GATE Startup Grant Program.

(1) The GATE Startup Grant Program is established within the Department of Education to fund and support the startup and implementation of the GATE Program, subject to legislative appropriation. The purpose of the grant program is to increase access to programs that support adult learners earning a high school credential, either a high school diploma or its equivalent, and a workforce credential aligned to statewide or regional demand. The department shall administer the grants, determine eligibility, and distribute grant awards.

(2) As used in this section, the term “institution” means a school district career center established under s. 1001.44, a charter technical career center established under s. 1002.34, or a Florida College System institution identified in s. 1000.21 which offers the GATE Program pursuant to s. 1004.933.

(3) The department may solicit proposals from institutions without programs that meet the requirements of s. 1004.933. Such institutions must be located in or serve a rural area of opportunity as designated by the Governor.

(4) The department shall prioritize grant proposals that combine adult basic education, adult secondary education, and career education programs at one location or allow students to complete programs through distance learning. An applicant may not receive more than 10 percent of the total amount appropriated for the program.

(5) The department shall make the grant application available to potential applicants no later than August 15, 2024. A grant proposal must include:

(a) The institution or institutions that will provide the adult basic education, adult secondary education, and career education programs;

(b) The proposed adult basic education and adult secondary education program or programs the institution or institutions will provide, and the projected enrollment for such program or programs;

(c) The proposed career education program or programs the institution or institutions will provide and the projected enrollment for such program or programs;

(d) The credential or credentials associated with the career education program or programs. Such credential or credentials must be included on the Master Credentials List under s. 445.004(4);

(e) The cost of instruction for all programs contemplated in the proposal, including costs for tuition, fees, registration, and laboratory, examination, and instructional materials costs;

(f) Outreach strategies, including collaboration with local workforce development boards; and

(g) A plan or timeline for implementing s. 1004.933 and enrolling students.

(6) Grant funds may be used for planning activities and other expenses associated with the creation of the GATE Program, such as expenses related to program instruction, instructional equipment, supplies, instructional personnel, and student services. Grant funds may not be used for indirect costs. Grant recipients must submit an annual report in a format prescribed by the department. The department shall consolidate such annual reports and include the reports in the report required by s. 1004.933(6).

(7) The State Board of Education may adopt rules to administer this section.