1. (1) Subject to legislative appropriation, an LEA may apply for the teen center grant.

2. (2) An LEA's application shall include the following:

   1. (a) capacity of the LEA to staff the center with a FSW that will provide wrap-around services for the students;
   2. (b) a demonstration of the ability to provide students, including students experiencing homelessness, with assistance, guidance, and connection to necessary resources;

   3. (c) the ability to provide the services within the center, that may include:

      1. (i) a food pantry that is community-based allowing access to food services;
      2. (ii) showers and hygiene necessities;
      3. (iii) laundry facilities, including a washer and dryer;

      4. (iv) academic advisement, including:

         1. (A) FAFSA applications for grants and loans; and
         2. (B) work study funds available at universities and tech colleges;

      5. (v) collaboration with community partners to provide access to:

         1. (A) mental, dental, medical, and vision services;
         2. (B) wellness space and resources;
         3. (C) spiritual and religious resources; and
         4. (D) technical job training before graduation;
   4. (d) readiness of facilities to house a teen center at an eligible school, including general construction plans, if required;
   5. (e) quantitative or qualitative data to demonstrate the need for a teen center;
   6. (f) a budget outlining the intended use of the grant funds;
   7. (g) a timeline for achieving an operational teen center; and
   8. (h) ability to maintain and keep the teen center operational over time.
3. (3) An LEA shall apply for the grant in a form and within the deadlines specified by the Superintendent.

4. (4) An LEA's application shall be scored and ranked by the Superintendent based upon the overall:

   1. (a) demonstrated need for a teen center;
   2. (b) quality of the budget proposal and timeline as described in Subsection (2); and
   3. (c) capacity to maintain an operational teen center, as described in Subsection (2).

5. (5) The Superintendent may prioritize schools that:

   1. (a) serve any grade between 9-12; or
   2. (b) prioritize services for students experiencing homelessness.
6. (6) The Superintendent shall select and notify grant awardees within 30 days of the application deadline.

KEY: at-risk students, teen center, grant

Date of Last Change: August 22, 2023

Authorizing, and Implemented, or Interpreted Law: Art X Sec 3; 53E-3-401(4)