Sec. 403.356. GRANTS TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

(a) The comptroller may award a grant for the development of new career and technical education courses or programs at public junior colleges and public technical institutes.

(b) A grant received under this section may be used only:

(1) to support courses or programs that prepare students for career employment in occupations that are identified by local businesses as being in high demand;

(2) to finance initial costs of career and technical education course or program development, including the costs of constructing or renovating facilities, purchasing equipment, and other expenses associated with the development of a new course; and

(3) to finance a career and technical education course or program that leads to a license, certificate, or postsecondary degree.

(c) In awarding a grant under this section, the comptroller shall primarily consider the potential economic returns to the state from the development of the career and technical education course or program. The comptroller may also consider whether the course or program:

(1) is part of a new, emerging industry or high-demand occupation;

(2) offers new or expanded dual credit career and technical educational opportunities in public high schools; or

(3) is provided in cooperation with other public junior colleges or public technical institutes across existing service areas.

(d) To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a public junior college or public technical institute must provide matching funds in accordance with rules adopted under Section 403.358. The matching funds may be obtained from any source available to the college, including in-kind contributions, industry consortia, community or foundation grants, individual contributions, and local governmental agency operating funds.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 654 , Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.