1. (1) As used in this section:

   1. (a) "College and career counseling" means:

      1. (i) nurturing college and career aspirations;
      2. (ii) assisting students in planning an academic program that connects to college and career goals;
      3. (iii) providing early and ongoing exposure to information necessary to make informed decisions when selecting a college and career;
      4. (iv) promoting participation in college and career assessments;
      5. (v) providing financial aid information; and
      6. (vi) increasing understanding about college admission processes.
   2. (b) "LEA" or "local education agency" means a school district or charter school.
2. (2) There is created the Strengthening College and Career Readiness Program, a grant program for LEAs, to improve students' college and career readiness through enhancing the skill level of school counselors to provide college and career counseling.

3. (3) The state board shall:

   1. (a) on or before August 1, 2015, collaborate with the Utah Board of Higher Education, and business, community, and education stakeholders to develop a certificate for school counselors that:

      1. (i) certifies that a school counselor is highly skilled at providing college and career counseling; and
      2. (ii) is aligned with the Utah Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Program as defined in rules established by the state board in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act;
   2. (b) subject to legislative appropriations, award grants to LEAs, on a competitive basis, for payment of course fees for courses required to earn the certificate developed by the state board under Subsection (3)(a); and

   3. (c) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, make rules specifying:

      1. (i) procedures for applying for and awarding grants under this section;
      2. (ii) criteria for awarding grants; and
      3. (iii) reporting requirements for grantees.
4. (4) An LEA that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant for payment of course fees for courses required to attain the certificate as determined by the state board under Subsection (3)(a).

Amended by Chapter 365, 2020 General Session