GRANT PROGRAM

(a) Subject to available funds, the department shall establish a grant program under which the department awards grants to public institutions of higher education, public high schools, and governmental entities located in a rural county for the development and operation of multi-institutional technology centers that provide: (1) community access to technology; (2) computer literacy programs; (3) educational programs designed to provide concurrent enrollment credit for high school students taking postsecondary courses in information and emerging technologies; (4) training for careers in technology-related fields and other highly skilled industries; and (5) technology-related continuing and adult education programs. (b) The department by rule shall establish: (1) eligibility criteria for grant applicants; (2) grant application procedures; (3) guidelines relating to grant amounts; (4) procedures for evaluating grant applications; and (5) procedures for monitoring the use of grants awarded under the program and for ensuring compliance with the conditions of a grant.