The Florida Senate

1006.051  Sunshine Workforce Solutions Grant Program.--

(1)  The Legislature recognizes the need for school districts to be able to respond to critical workforce shortages in nursing. The Sunshine Workforce Solutions Grant Program is created to provide grants to school districts on a competitive basis to fund all or some of the costs associated with establishing an exploratory program in nursing at the middle school level or a comprehensive career and technical education program within a high school that provides a program of study in nursing that will provide a seamless transition to appropriate postsecondary education or employment.

(a)  A comprehensive career and technical education program within a high school that provides a program of study in nursing must be certified or endorsed by the Florida Board of Nursing to ensure that all components of the program are relevant and appropriate to prepare the student for further education and employment in nursing.

(b)  For career and technical education programs in which high school credit is articulated to a related postsecondary education program, there must be an articulation agreement that ensures seamless transition from one level to the next without a loss of credit for the student.

(c)  Participation in work-based learning experiences, as defined in rule by the Department of Education, shall be required in career and technical education programs at the high school level.

(2)  Funds awarded for a Sunshine Workforce Solutions Grant may be used for instructional equipment, laboratory equipment, supplies, personnel, student services, or other expenses associated with the development of a program in nursing.

(3)  The Department of Education shall accept applications from middle schools and high schools for grants under the Sunshine Workforce Solutions Grant Program.

(a)  Applications shall contain projected enrollments and projected costs for the Sunshine Workforce Solutions Grants.

(b)  Schools shall be selected based on existing infrastructure that would ensure success of the program. The department shall consider statewide geographic disbursement of grant funds in ranking the applications.

(c)  Methods for evaluating the success of the grant program, including student recruitment, retention, and program completion, must be included in the application.

History.--s. 4, ch. 2002-230.