First Tee (CHAMP) Comprehensive Health and Mentoring Program for At Risk and Developmentally Disabled Students and Young Adults
Impact
The bill impacts state education policy by providing a nonrecurring appropriation of $450,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal year 2022-2023. This funding is intended to support the First Tee (CHAMP) program, which not only aims to enhance the educational engagement of at-risk youth but also to instill life skills through mentoring. By facilitating such programs, this bill may ultimately contribute to improving the quality of life and opportunities available to students with disabilities or at risk of falling behind in their educational pursuits.
Summary
House Bill 2413 establishes the First Tee (CHAMP) Comprehensive Health and Mentoring Program aimed at at-risk and developmentally disabled students and young adults. The bill is structured as an appropriations project and seeks to allocate funds specifically for enhancing health and mentoring opportunities for these vulnerable populations. The overarching goal is to support their development, promote inclusivity, and improve their educational and personal outcomes through targeted assistance and mentorship.
Contention
While the bill received unanimous support in the House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, discussions around its implementation may raise questions regarding the effective use of allocated funds and the measurable outcomes of the mentoring programs. Notably, the bill does not specify metrics for success or accountability measures, which might lead to concerns about transparency and effective governance in deploying the appropriated funds for this program. As such, stakeholders may advocate for ongoing assessments to ensure that the intended benefits are realized for the target populations.