NY State Senate Bill 2015-S7496

Senate Bill S7496

2015-2016 Legislative Session

Relates to continuing the early college high school program and the pathways in technology early college high school program in this state; appropriation

download bill text pdf

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Rules Committee

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

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Actions

View Actions

	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Jun 17, 2016	committed to rules
May 25, 2016	advanced to third reading
May 24, 2016	2nd report cal.
May 23, 2016	1st report cal.1043
May 05, 2016	referred to education

Votes

- May 23, 2016 - Education Committee Vote
  S7496
  
  18
  
  Aye
  
  0
  
  Nay
  
  0
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  1
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  - - Education Committee Vote: May 23, 2016
      
      aye (18)
      
      Addabbo Jr.
      
      Avella
      
      Breslin
      
      Croci
      
      Farley
      
      Hamilton
      
      LaValle
      
      Lanza
      
      Latimer
      
      Little
      
      Marcellino
      
      Montgomery
      
      Peralta
      
      Ranzenhofer
      
      Robach
      
      Serino
      
      Stavisky
      
      Valesky
      
      excused (1)
      
      Seward

2015-S7496 (ACTIVE) - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A10024
Current Committee:: Senate Rules
Law Section:: Education Law
Laws Affected:: Add §§6457 & 6458, Ed L

2015-S7496 (ACTIVE) - Summary

Relates to continuing the early college high school programs and the pathways in technology early college high school programs in this state.

2015-S7496 (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S7496

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the education law, in relation to
continuing the early college high school program and the pathways in
technology early college high school program in this state; and making
an appropriation therefor

 PURPOSE OF THE BILL :

To preserve and continue the New York State early college high school
(ECHS) program and the New York State pathways in technology early
college high school (P-TECH) program in this state, which provides
various students, including those traditionally underrepresented in
post-secondary education, with the opportunity to access college-level
courses and college degree credits at the high school level with the
combined support of high school and college staff and resources, and
for the P-TECH programs, career training and employment in a highly
skilled job upon completion of the program.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section 1 of the bill establishes the legislative intent of the bill.

Section 2 of the bill adds a new Education Law § 6457 to establish
grant awards for New York State's early college high school programs
comma acing in the 2016-2017 academic year. Subject to an

appropriation, the bill requires the Commissioner to allocate funds
for early college high school programs approved by the Commissioner in
accordance with the Commissioner's regulations and a request for
proposals process. The bill requires the Commissioner to prioritize
partnerships that demonstrate the willingness and capacity to serve
students who have been identified as economically disadvantaged and/or
academically at-risk for not successfully completing high school or
not enrolling in or succeeding in college. Priority shall also be
given to early college high school programs that were funded by the
department under a prior request for proposals process, based upon
demonstration of successful student outcomes as determined by the
commissioner in regulations. Eligible institutions shall file an
application for approval by the Commissioner in a timeframe and manner
prescribed by the Commissioner in regulations.

This section of the bill defines an eligible applicant as a New York
state school district with an approved early college high school
program with a partnership with a not-for-profit higher education
institution to offer college-level courses leading to the granting of
at least 24 college credits and up to a post-secondary degree or
diploma. It further defines an eligible student as a student who is
(i) a resident of the school district in which the early college high
school is located and is enrolled in such district; and (ii) is
registered to attend such high school for the academic years for which
the grant award is being sought.

The bill also requires that monies made available under this section
can only be spent for the following purposes: to provide additional
staffing for the early college high school program, including a
program director and college liaison; student recruitment activities;
to provide professional development to promote the early college high
school program, including cross- curriculum development between
secondary and post-secondary education partners to ensure curriculum
alignment that prepares students to succeed in college level courses
while in high school; academic and social support services to promote
college readiness and a college-going culture; transportation for
students to take courses and participate in activities at the partner
campus of the higher education partner; and tuition, books and fees;
provided however that tuition reimbursement shall only be allowable
for non-remedial, credit-bearing college courses.
It further provides that no funds awarded under this section shall be
made available to support the regular academic program of any
institution participating in this program.

Section 3 of the bill adds a new Education Law § 6458 to establish
grant awards for P-TECH programs. Subject to an appropriation, the
bill requires the Commissioner to allocate funds for P-TECH programs
approved by the commissioner in accordance with the Commissioner's
regulations. Funds must first be set aside for those approved P-TECH
programs that were funded under the previous request for proposals
process to fulfill any obligation to any cohort of students in such
program so they can obtain a cost-free associate degree. This will
ensure that those P-TECH programs fulfill their obligations to
students currently enrolled in those programs under a previous request
for proposals process. The commissioner shall then, subject to any
remaining appropriation, make grant awards to eligible applicants
through a new request for proposals process and shall prioritize
partnerships that demonstrate the willingness and capacity to serve
students who have been identified as economically disadvantaged or
academically disadvantaged and at-risk for not successfully completing
high school or not enrolling in or succeeding in college. Priority
shall also be given to P-TECH programs that were funded by the
department under, a prior request for proposals process based upon
demonstration of successful student outcomes, as determined by the
Commissioner's regulations.

This section defines an eligible applicant as a New York State school
district, which must serve as the fiscal agent. An eligible district
may work in cooperation with other school districts, a board of
cooperative educational services, or any combination of these entities
with a partnership that includes: (i) one or more New York State
nonprofit higher education institutions provided that at least one
institution offers an associate's degree linked to the goals of the
approved P-TECH program, and which awards the degree at no cost to the
student/family; and (ii) a regional New York State employer and/or
industry/entity/association that requires highly skilled employees
which will utilize the knowledge and skills obtained from the
secondary and postsecondary programs proposed under the application
and agrees to place students who successfully complete the program
first in line for a job.

Monies made available under this section can only be spent for the
following purposes: existing evidence-based and/or standards-based
curriculum that focuses on a career in science, technology,
engineering or math- related career area within a P-TECH program;
recruitment activities for eligible students; to provide professional
development to promote the P-TECH program, including cross-curriculum
development between partners and to ensure curriculum alignment that
prepares students to succeed in college level courses while in high
school and during career training; up to ten percent of funds awarded
under this section may be used for eligible applicants to purchase
equipment needed to upgrade existing programs or new equipment to
start a program; workshops and planning meetings between partners,
including counselors, parents, and college faculty, and business
leaders to support program sustainability and build awareness in the
regions of the benefits of having such programs; post-secondary
curriculum development that facilitates alignment and articulation
with secondary programs leading to college degrees and/or other
industry recognized credentials that meet the needs of employers;
service contracts between members of the partnership; transportation
for eligible students to take courses and participate in activities at
the partner campus of the higher education partner; and tuition, books
and fees; provided that tuition reimbursement will only be allowable
for non-remedial, credit-bearing college courses.


Section 4 of the bill provides a $25,000,000 appropriation to SED to
be appropriated as follows: $7,000,000 for payment of early college
high school grants and $18,000,000 for payment of grants to eligible
institutions for pathways in technology early college high school
programs.

Section 5 of the bill is the effective date.

 STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL :

It is necessary to preserve and continue the New York State early
college high school program and the New York State P-TECH program in
this state which provide various students, including those
traditionally underrepresented in post-secondary education, with the
opportunity to access college-level courses and college degree credits
at the high school level with the combined support of high school and
college staff and resources, and for P-TECH programs, career training
and employment in a highly skilled job upon completion of the program.

The early college high school program not only increases student'
access to higher education, but also reduces potential costs for
students in completing college degrees by allowing them to either
complete a degree upon graduation from high school or to apply their
earned college credits towards an Associate's or Baccalaureate's
degree. This innovative program provides incentives to high school
students to proceed to college and to earn a college degree by
accelerating their overall completion of a degree. It also better
prepares them for college-level coursework, which, will in turn,
increase their academic performance. Ultimately, this program
increases graduation rates both at the high school and college levels,
especially for academically at-risk students.

The P-TECH program, through a public-private partnership, prepares
thousands of New York students for high-skill jobs of the future in
technology, manufacturing, healthcare and finance. The P-TECH program
provides students with a rigorous, relevant and cost-free high school
and college education and a workplace learning environment with
ongoing mentoring by professionals in the chosen career sector to
better prepare these students for successful careers. Students also
receive a commitment from the participating employer to be first in
line for consideration for a job following completion of the program.
Ultimately, this program increases graduation rates both at the high
school and college levels and provides essential career training for
academically at-risk, disadvantaged students, which at the completion
of the program leads these students to a skilled job.

It is also necessary to provide funding for these programs to ensure
that they continue in operation and continue to provide students with
these valuable services. Accelerating the completion of a student's
college degree at the high school level will result in a student
requiring less financial assistance (including tuition assistance or
TAP funds) to complete their degree at the post-secondary level. These
programs will ultimately result in significant cost-savings to both
the state and to families and therefore, are a great investment of
state funds.

It is also necessary to provide additional funding for the SED to
administer and evaluate these critical programs. These funds will
support program staff to supplement the oversight already being
provided to these programs, and ensure the timely and accurate
analysis of data to further enhance and validate these programs.

 BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS OF THE BILL :

The bill includes a $25,000,000 appropriation to expand early college
and pathways in technology early college high school programs. These
new funds would be used to fund existing programs and where there are
remaining funds to expand these programs throughout the state. In
addition, the bill contains a 5 percent set aside for the Department
to provide support, guidance, and technical assistance to programs
funded under these grants.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

This is a new bill. There is no prior legislative history on this
bill.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
The bill would take effect immediately.

2015-S7496 (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                  7496

                            I N  S E N A T E

                               May 5, 2016
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sen.  MARCELLINO  --  (at request of the State Education
  Department) -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to  be
  committed to the Committee on Education

AN  ACT  to amend the education law, in relation to continuing the early
  college high school program  and  the  pathways  in  technology  early
  college high school program in this state; and making an appropriation
  therefor

  THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section 1.  Legislative  intent.  The  legislature  hereby  finds  and
declares  it necessary to preserve and continue the New York state early
college high school program and the New York state pathways in technolo-
gy early college high school program  (P-TECH  program)  in  this  state
which  provide various students, including those traditionally underrep-
resented in post-secondary education, with  the  opportunity  to  access
college-level  courses  and  college  degree  credits at the high school
level with the combined support of high school  and  college  staff  and
resources,  and for P-TECH programs, career training and employment in a
highly skilled job upon completion of the program.
  The early college high school program  not  only  increases  students'
access  to  higher  education,  but  also  reduces  potential  costs for
students in completing  college  degrees  by  allowing  them  to  either
complete  a  degree  upon  graduation from high school or to apply their
earned college credits towards an associate's or baccalaureate's degree.
This innovative program provides incentives to high school  students  to
proceed  to  college  and to earn a college degree by accelerating their
overall completion of  a  degree.  It  also  better  prepares  them  for
college-level  coursework,  which, will in turn, increase their academic
performance. Ultimately, this program increases graduation rates both at
the high school and college levels, especially for academically  at-risk
students.
  The  P-TECH  program,  through  a public-private partnership, prepares
thousands of New York students for high-skill  jobs  of  the  future  in
technology,  manufacturing,  healthcare  and finance. The P-TECH program
provides students with a rigorous, relevant and  cost-free  high  school
and  college education and a workplace learning environment with ongoing
mentoring by professionals in the chosen career sector to better prepare

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD14730-04-6

S. 7496                             2

these students for successful careers. Students also receive  a  commit-
ment  from  the participating employer to be first in line for consider-
ation for a job following completion of the  program.  Ultimately,  this
program  increases  graduation rates both at the high school and college
levels and provides essential career training for academically  at-risk,
disadvantaged  students,  which  at  the completion of the program leads
these students to a skilled job.
  The legislature hereby finds and  declares  it  necessary  to  provide
funding for these programs to ensure that they continue in operation and
continue to provide students with these valuable services.
  The  legislature also finds and declares it necessary to provide addi-
tional funding for the state  education  department  to  administer  and
evaluate these critical programs. These funds will support program staff
to  supplement  the  oversight already being provided to these programs,
and ensure the timely and accurate analysis of data to  further  enhance
and validate these programs.
  S 2. The education law is amended by adding a new section 6457 to read
as follows:
  S  6457.  GRANT  AWARDS  FOR  NEW YORK STATE EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
PROGRAMS. 1. SUBJECT TO AN APPROPRIATION, THE COMMISSIONER  SHALL  ALLO-
CATE  FUNDS  AVAILABLE  FOR  EARLY  COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR THE
PURPOSES OF INCREASING HIGH SCHOOL  GRADUATION  RATES  FOR  ACADEMICALLY
AT-RISK, DISADVANTAGED AND/OR ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS AND TO
INCREASE  THEIR  PARTICIPATION  IN  POST-SECONDARY  EDUCATION  THROUGH A
NETWORK OF EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS IN THE STATE.
  2. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION:
  A. "APPROVED EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM" MEANS A  FORMAL  PART-
NERSHIP BETWEEN A SCHOOL DISTRICT AND AT LEAST ONE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER
EDUCATION,  APPROVED  BY  THE  COMMISSIONER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGU-
LATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER AND THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROCESS, WHICH
PROVIDES ELIGIBLE STUDENTS ENROLLED IN SUCH  PROGRAM  WITH  HIGH  SCHOOL
COURSES   LEADING   TO  THE  GRANTING  OF  A  HIGH  SCHOOL  DIPLOMA  AND
COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSES LEADING TO THE GRANTING OF  AT  LEAST  TWENTY-FOUR
COLLEGE  CREDITS  AND  UP  TO  A POST-SECONDARY DEGREE OR DIPLOMA FROM A
PARTNER INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION AT NO COST  TO  THE  STUDENT  OR
STUDENT'S FAMILY.
  B.  "EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL" MEANS A PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL THAT OFFERS
AN APPROVED EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM TO ITS STUDENTS;
  C. "ELIGIBLE APPLICANT" MEANS A NEW YORK STATE SCHOOL DISTRICT WITH AN
APPROVED EARLY  COLLEGE  HIGH  SCHOOL  PROGRAM  WHICH  PARTNERS  WITH  A
NOT-FOR-PROFIT  HIGHER  EDUCATION  INSTITUTION  TO  OFFER  COLLEGE-LEVEL
COURSES LEADING TO THE GRANTING OF AT LEAST TWENTY-FOUR COLLEGE  CREDITS
AND UP TO A POST-SECONDARY DEGREE OR DIPLOMA;
  D. "ELIGIBLE STUDENT" MEANS A STUDENT WHO:
  (I)  IS  A  RESIDENT OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN WHICH THE EARLY COLLEGE
HIGH SCHOOL IS LOCATED AND IS ENROLLED IN SUCH SCHOOL DISTRICT; AND
  (II) IS REGISTERED TO ATTEND SUCH HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE  ACADEMIC  YEARS
FOR WHICH THE GRANT AWARD IS BEING SOUGHT.
  3.  MONIES  MADE  AVAILABLE  UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE SPENT FOR THE
FOLLOWING PURPOSES AS FURTHER PRESCRIBED  BY  THE  COMMISSIONER  IN  THE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROCESS:
  A.  TO  PROVIDE  ADDITIONAL STAFFING FOR THE EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
PROGRAM, INCLUDING A PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND COLLEGE LIAISON;
  B. STUDENT RECRUITMENT ACTIVITIES;
  C. TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO PROMOTE  THE  EARLY  COLLEGE
HIGH  SCHOOL  PROGRAM,  INCLUDING  CROSS-CURRICULUM  DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN

S. 7496                             3

SECONDARY AND POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION  PARTNERS  TO  ENSURE  CURRICULUM
ALIGNMENT  THAT  PREPARES  STUDENTS  TO SUCCEED IN COLLEGE LEVEL COURSES
WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL;
  D.  ACADEMIC  AND SOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO PROMOTE COLLEGE READINESS
AND A COLLEGE-GOING CULTURE;
  E. TRANSPORTATION FOR STUDENTS TO  TAKE  COURSES  AND  PARTICIPATE  IN
ACTIVITIES AT THE PARTNER CAMPUS OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNER; AND
  F.  TUITION,  BOOKS AND FEES; PROVIDED HOWEVER THAT TUITION REIMBURSE-
MENT SHALL ONLY BE ALLOWABLE FOR  NON-REMEDIAL,  CREDIT-BEARING  COLLEGE
COURSES.
  4.  THE  COMMISSIONER  SHALL MAKE AWARDS TO ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS FOR AN
APPROVED EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM THROUGH A COMPETITIVE REQUEST
FOR PROPOSALS PROCESS. THE FUNDING CYCLE FOR THIS PROGRAM SHALL  BE  FOR
FIVE YEARS COMMENCING WITH THE TWO THOUSAND SIXTEEN--TWO THOUSAND SEVEN-
TEEN  ACADEMIC YEAR, WITH A NEW GRANT CYCLE COMMENCING EVERY FIVE YEARS.
THE PROGRAM CYCLE SHALL BE SEPTEMBER FIRST TO AUGUST THIRTY-FIRST  ANNU-
ALLY.
  A. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL PRIORITIZE PARTNERSHIPS THAT DEMONSTRATE THE
WILLINGNESS  AND  CAPACITY TO SERVE STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS
ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED AND/OR ACADEMICALLY AT-RISK FOR NOT  SUCCESS-
FULLY  COMPLETING  HIGH  SCHOOL  OR  NOT  ENROLLING  IN OR SUCCEEDING IN
COLLEGE.
  B. PRIORITY SHALL ALSO BE GIVEN TO EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL  PROGRAMS
THAT  WERE  FUNDED BY THE DEPARTMENT UNDER A PRIOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
PROCESS, BASED UPON DEMONSTRATION  OF  SUCCESSFUL  STUDENT  OUTCOMES  AS
DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSIONER IN REGULATIONS.
  5. ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS SHALL FILE AN APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL BY THE
COMMISSIONER  IN  A TIMEFRAME AND MANNER PRESCRIBED BY THE COMMISSIONER,
DEMONSTRATING A NEED FOR SUCH FUNDING, INCLUDING HOW THE  FUNDING  WOULD
BE  USED  AND  HOW  MANY  STUDENTS  WOULD BE ASSISTED WITH SUCH FUNDING.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE FUNDED AS PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH  THE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROCESS.
  6.  NO  FUNDS  PURSUANT  TO  THIS  SECTION  SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO
SUPPORT THE REGULAR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS OF ANY  INSTITUTION  PARTICIPATING
IN  THIS  PROGRAM,  NOR  SHALL  FUNDS BE PROVIDED FOR PROGRAMS WHICH ARE
INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE REGENTS PLAN FOR THE EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT  OF
HIGHER EDUCATION IN THIS STATE.
  S 3. The education law is amended by adding a new section 6458 to read
as follows:
  S  6458.  GRANT  AWARDS  FOR PATHWAYS IN TECHNOLOGY EARLY COLLEGE HIGH
SCHOOL (P-TECH) PROGRAMS. 1. SUBJECT TO AN  APPROPRIATION,  THE  COMMIS-
SIONER  SHALL  ALLOCATE  THE FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR P-TECH PROGRAMS FOR THE
PURPOSES OF PREPARING ELIGIBLE ACADEMICALLY AT-RISK AND/OR  ECONOMICALLY
DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS FOR HIGH-SKILL JOBS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO
THOSE IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MANUFACTURING, HEALTHCARE AND
FINANCE  THROUGH  A SIX-YEAR ACADEMIC PROGRAM THAT COMBINES HIGH SCHOOL,
COLLEGE AND CAREER TRAINING.
  2. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION:
  A. "APPROVED PATHWAYS IN TECHNOLOGY EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL (P-TECH)
PROGRAM" MEANS A NEW YORK STATE P-TECH PROGRAM, APPROVED BY THE  COMMIS-
SIONER  IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH THE REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER AND THE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROCESS, WHICH PROVIDES ELIGIBLE STUDENTS ENROLLED
IN SUCH PROGRAM WITH HIGH SCHOOL COURSES LEADING TO THE  GRANTING  OF  A
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSES LEADING TO THE GRANTING OF
A  POST-SECONDARY  DEGREE OR DIPLOMA AT A PARTNERING COLLEGE APPROVED BY
THE DEPARTMENT AND CAREER TRAINING WITH AN ELIGIBLE PARTNERING EMPLOYER;

S. 7496                             4

  B. "ELIGIBLE APPLICANT" MEANS A NEW YORK STATE SCHOOL DISTRICT,  WHICH
MUST SERVE AS THE FISCAL AGENT. THE ELIGIBLE APPLICANT MAY WORK IN COOP-
ERATION  WITH OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS, A BOARD OF COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL
SERVICES, OR ANY COMBINATION OF THESE ENTITIES WITH A  PARTNERSHIP  THAT
INCLUDES:
  (I)  ONE OR MORE NEW YORK STATE NOT-FOR-PROFIT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTI-
TUTIONS PROVIDED THAT AT LEAST ONE  INSTITUTION  OFFERS  AN  ASSOCIATE'S
DEGREE  (OR  OTHER TWO-YEAR DEGREE THAT IS THE INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR THE
TARGETED JOBS) LINKED TO THE GOALS OF THE APPROVED P-TECH  PROGRAM,  AND
WHICH AWARDS THE DEGREE AT NO COST TO THE STUDENT/FAMILY; AND
  (II)  A  REGIONAL  NEW YORK STATE EMPLOYER (OR CONSORTIUM OF EMPLOYERS
FROM RELATED SECTORS) AND/OR INDUSTRY/ENTITY/ASSOCIATION  THAT  REQUIRES
HIGHLY  SKILLED  EMPLOYEES  WHICH  WILL UTILIZE THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
OBTAINED FROM THE SECONDARY AND POST-SECONDARY PROGRAMS  PROPOSED  UNDER
THE  APPLICATION  AND AGREES TO PLACE STUDENTS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE
THE PROGRAM FIRST IN LINE FOR A JOB; AND
  C. "ELIGIBLE STUDENT" MEANS A STUDENT WHO:
  (I) IS A RESIDENT OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, OR A RESIDENT OF A COMPONENT
DISTRICT OF A CONSORTIUM APPLICANT,  IN  WHICH  THE  P-TECH  PROGRAM  IS
LOCATED AND IS ENROLLED IN SUCH SCHOOL DISTRICT; AND
  (II)  IS  REGISTERED TO ATTEND SUCH HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ACADEMIC YEARS
FOR WHICH THE GRANT AWARD IS BEING SOUGHT.
  3. MONIES MADE AVAILABLE UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL  BE  SPENT  FOR  THE
FOLLOWING  PURPOSES,  AS  FURTHER  PRESCRIBED BY THE COMMISSIONER IN THE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROCESS:
  A. EXISTING EVIDENCE-BASED  AND/OR  STANDARDS  BASED  CURRICULUM  THAT
FOCUSES  ON A CAREER IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING OR MATH-RELATED
CAREER AREA WITHIN A P-TECH PROGRAM;
  B. RECRUITMENT ACTIVITIES FOR ELIGIBLE STUDENTS;
  C. TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO PROMOTE THE P-TECH  PROGRAM,
INCLUDING  CROSS-CURRICULUM  DEVELOPMENT  BETWEEN PARTNERS AND TO ENSURE
CURRICULUM ALIGNMENT THAT PREPARES STUDENTS TO SUCCEED IN COLLEGE  LEVEL
COURSES WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL AND DURING CAREER TRAINING;
  D.  UP  TO TEN PERCENT OF FUNDS AWARDED UNDER THIS SECTION MAY BE USED
FOR ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO UPGRADE EXISTING
PROGRAMS OR NEW EQUIPMENT TO START A PROGRAM;
  E. WORKSHOPS AND PLANNING MEETINGS BETWEEN PARTNERS, INCLUDING COUNSE-
LORS, PARENTS, AND COLLEGE FACULTY,  AND  BUSINESS  LEADERS  TO  SUPPORT
PROGRAM  SUSTAINABILITY  AND BUILD AWARENESS IN THE REGIONS ON THE BENE-
FITS OF HAVING SUCH PROGRAMS;
  F. POST-SECONDARY CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT  THAT  FACILITATES  ALIGNMENT
AND  ARTICULATION  WITH  SECONDARY  PROGRAMS  LEADING TO COLLEGE DEGREES
AND/OR OTHER INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED CREDENTIALS  THAT  MEET  THE  NEEDS  OF
EMPLOYERS;
  G. SERVICE CONTRACTS BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE PARTNERSHIP;
  H.  TRANSPORTATION  FOR  ELIGIBLE STUDENTS TO TAKE COURSES AND PARTIC-
IPATE IN ACTIVITIES AT THE PARTNER CAMPUS OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION  PART-
NER; AND
  I.  TUITION, BOOKS AND FEES; PROVIDED THAT TUITION REIMBURSEMENT SHALL
ONLY BE ALLOWABLE FOR NON-REMEDIAL, CREDIT-BEARING COLLEGE COURSES.
  4. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL MAKE GRANT AWARDS TO ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS FOR
AN APPROVED P-TECH PROGRAM.
  A. FUNDS MUST FIRST BE SET ASIDE FOR THOSE  APPROVED  P-TECH  PROGRAMS
THAT  WERE  FUNDED  UNDER THE PREVIOUS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROCESS FOR
ANY COHORT OF STUDENTS IN SUCH PROGRAM SO THEY CAN  OBTAIN  A  COST-FREE
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE.

S. 7496                             5

  B. THE COMMISSIONER MAY ALSO MAKE AWARDS TO ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS FOR AN
APPROVED  P-TECH  PROGRAM  THROUGH  A  COMPETITIVE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
PROCESS. THE FUNDING CYCLE FOR THIS PROGRAM SHALL  BE  FOR  SEVEN  YEARS
COMMENCING WITH THE TWO THOUSAND TWENTY--TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE ACADEM-
IC  YEAR, SUBJECT TO AN APPROPRIATION, WITH A NEW GRANT CYCLE COMMENCING
EVERY SEVEN YEARS.
  C. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL PRIORITIZE PARTNERSHIPS THAT DEMONSTRATE THE
WILLINGNESS AND CAPACITY TO SERVE STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN  IDENTIFIED  AS
ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED OR ACADEMICALLY DISADVANTAGED AND AT-RISK FOR
NOT  SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING HIGH SCHOOL OR NOT ENROLLING IN OR SUCCEED-
ING IN COLLEGE.
  D. FOR AWARDS MADE UNDER A NEW REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROCESS, PRIORITY
SHALL ALSO BE GIVEN TO P-TECH PROGRAMS THAT WERE FUNDED BY  THE  DEPART-
MENT  UNDER  A  PRIOR  REQUEST  FOR PROPOSALS PROCESS, BASED UPON DEMON-
STRATION OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENT OUTCOMES AS DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSION-
ER IN REGULATIONS.
  5. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS SHALL FILE AN APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL  BY  THE
COMMISSIONER  IN  A TIMEFRAME AND MANNER PRESCRIBED BY THE COMMISSIONER,
DEMONSTRATING A NEED FOR SUCH FUNDING, INCLUDING HOW THE  FUNDING  WOULD
BE  USED  AND  HOW  MANY  STUDENTS  WOULD BE ASSISTED WITH SUCH FUNDING.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE FUNDED  AS  PROVIDED  IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH
REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER AND THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROCESS.
  6.  NO  FUNDS  PURSUANT  TO  THIS  SECTION  SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO
SUPPORT THE REGULAR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS OF ANY  INSTITUTION  PARTICIPATING
IN  THIS  PROGRAM,  NOR  SHALL  FUNDS BE PROVIDED FOR PROGRAMS WHICH ARE
INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE REGENTS PLAN FOR THE EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT  OF
HIGHER EDUCATION IN THIS STATE.
  S  4. The sum of twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000), or so much
thereof as may be necessary, is hereby  appropriated  to  the  education
department  out  of any moneys in the state treasury general fund to the
credit of the aid to localities/local assistance account, not  otherwise
appropriated, as follows:
  a.  seven  million  dollars  for  payment of grants to eligible insti-
tutions for early college high school programs in  accordance  with  the
provisions of section 6457 of the education law, as added by section two
of  this  act. Such sum shall be payable on the audit and warrant of the
state comptroller on vouchers certified or approved by the  commissioner
of  education,  in  the  manner prescribed by law.   Notwithstanding any
other law to the contrary, the department shall  be  authorized  to  set
aside  five  percent of the funds hereby appropriated for the purpose of
administration, oversight, and  provision  of  technical  assistance  to
grantees under this program, which shall include hiring of staff.
  b.  eighteen  million dollars for payment of grants to eligible insti-
tutions for pathways in technology early college high school programs in
accordance with the provisions of section 6458 of the education law,  as
added  by  section  three  of this act. Such sum shall be payable on the
audit and warrant of the state  comptroller  on  vouchers  certified  or
approved  by  the commissioner of education, in the manner prescribed by
law. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the department shall
be authorized to set aside five percent of the funds hereby appropriated
for the purpose of administration, oversight, and provision of technical
assistance to grantees under this program, which shall include hiring of
staff.
  S 5. This act shall take effect immediately.

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