Out-of-school time program grant program - created - use of grants - funding - rules - repeal

(1) There is created in the department the out-of-school time program grant program to provide grants to eligible entities that provide out-of-school time programs that are affordable and comprehensive to students who are enrolled in a public school. (2) A grant recipient shall use money received through the grant program to implement the following, which must be evidence-informed and high-quality: (a) Academic enrichment; (b) Opportunities for development in literacy, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other subject matters for students and families; (c) A safe learning environment and resources to increase student engagement in school and reduce chronic absenteeism; (d) Programs and services that provide a well-rounded education and are designed to reinforce and complement school-based academic programs, including youth development activities, art, music, outdoor programs, recreational programs, technology education programs, physical health activities, and social and emotional wellness services; and (e) Opportunities to develop meaningful workforce readiness and life skills. (3) (a) The department shall administer the grant program. (b) Subject to available appropriations, the state board shall award grants as provided in section 22-105.5-105. (c) (I) For the 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27 state fiscal years, the general assembly shall appropriate three million five hundred thousand dollars in each state fiscal year from the general fund to the department for purposes of this section. Any unexpended money remaining at the end of the 2024-25 or 2025-26 state fiscal year from an appropriation made pursuant to this subsection (3)(c)(I): (A) May be used by the department in the 2025-26 or 2026-27 state fiscal years without further appropriation; and (B) Must not be used for any purpose other than the purposes of this section. (II) This subsection (3)(c) is repealed, effective July 1, 2029. (4) The department shall implement the grant program in accordance with this article 105.5. The state board may promulgate rules as may be necessary to implement the grant program, which may include rules that specify the time frames for applying for grants and the form of the application, the time frames for distributing grant money, and the amount of the grant based on the number of students served and available money, including circumstances when a recipient receives additional money.