This docum ent does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives.
STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC
DATE: 2/15/2024
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF ANALYSIS
BILL #: CS/CS/HB 7051 PCB PEW 24-01 Education
SPONSOR(S): Education & Employment Committee, Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee,
Postsecondary Education & Workforce Subcommittee, Melo
TIED BILLS: None. IDEN./SIM. BILLS: SB 7032
REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR or
BUDGET/POLICY CHIEF
Orig. Comm.: Postsecondary Education &
Workforce Subcommittee
16 Y, 0 N Kiner Kiner
1) Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee 14 Y, 0 N, As CS Stenson Smith
2) Education & Employment Committee 17 Y, 0 N, As CS Kiner Hassell
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
The bill creates the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education (GATE) Program, GATE Scholarship
Program, and GATE Startup Grant Program to provide individuals ages 16 to 21 who have discontinued school
enrollment in traditional high school programs the opportunity to earn, at no cost, a standard high school
diploma, or equivalent, and a workforce credential. The bill provides eligibility criteria and defines the programs
and certificates that may be offered.
The bill requires postsecondary career centers and Florida College System institutions to waive 100 percent of
tuition, certain fees, and instructional materials costs after all other federal and state aid is applied and
reimburses the institutions for such expenditures. Students participating in the program will also be eligible for
a stipend through another student financial aid program.
The bill tasks the Department of Education (DOE) with state-level administration of the new GATE programs,
including administering the GATE Startup Grant Program. School districts and institutions without programs
that meet GATE Program requirements, and that are within or serve a rural area of opportunity, may apply for
grant funds.
The bill provides several provisions to identify and enroll eligible students. First, when students choose to
disenroll from school, the bill requires they be made aware of the GATE program and its opportunities. The bill
also requires GED candidates be made aware of the program and eligibility requirements. For those who have
been separated for longer periods of time and may engage with a one-stop center, the bill requires they be
made aware of adult education generally, and the GATE program specifically.
Additionally, DOE will be required to develop and implement a statewide recruitment campaign in conjunction
with other entities that interact with the target population. To provide accountability and assess the overall
success of the program, the bill requires DOE to annually report certain information.
All funding for new GATE programs is subject to appropriation.
To the extent funds are specifically appropriated, the bill will have an indeterminate fiscal impact on school
districts and Florida College System institutions relating to the implementation of the GATE Program. See
fiscal comments.
The bill is effective July 1, 2024. STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC PAGE: 2
DATE: 2/15/2024
FULL ANALYSIS
I. SUBSTANTIVE ANALYSIS
A. EFFECT OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
Current Situation
Compulsory Age of Attendance
When a student reaches 16 years of age, he or she is no longer required to attend school if he/she files
a formal declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment with the school district.
1
The declaration
must be signed by the student and the student's parent.
2
In signing the declaration, the student must acknowledge that leaving school is likely to reduce earning
potential.
3
The student's school counselor is required to conduct an exit interview with the student to determine
reasons for the student's decision and actions that could be taken to keep the student in school.
4
The
school counselor is also required to inform the student of opportunities to continue his or her education
in a different environment, including, but not limited to, adult education and high school equivalency
examination preparation.
5
High School Graduation in Florida
Florida’s High School Graduation Requirements
To earn a standard high school diploma a student must complete 24 credits, an International
Baccalaureate curriculum, or an Advanced International Certificate of Education curriculum.
6
The 24-credit option for a standard high school diploma includes:
7
Four credits in English Language Arts (ELA) I, II, III, and IV.
Four credits in mathematics, including one in Algebra I and one in Geometry.
Three credits in science, two of which must have a laboratory component and one of which
must include Biology I.
Three credits in social studies including one credit in United States History, one credit in World
History, one-half credit in economics, and one-half credit in United States Government.
One credit in fine or performing arts, speech and debate, or career and technical education.
One credit in physical education which includes the integration of health.
Seven and one-half credits in electives.
One-half credit in personal financial literacy.
All students must pass the statewide, standardized grade 10 ELA assessment, or earn a concordant
score, and must pass the statewide, standardized Algebra I end-of-course (EOC) assessment, or earn
a comparative score, in order to earn a standard high school diploma.
8
1
s. 1003.21(1)(c), F.S.
2
Id.
3
Id.
4
Id.
5
Id.
6
s. 1003.4282(1)(a), F.S.
7
s. 1003.4282(3)(a)-(g), F.S.
8
s. 1003.4282(3), F.S. A student enrolled in an Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or Advanced
International Certificate of Education (AICE) course who takes the respective AP, IB, or AICE assessment and earns a specified score
is not required to take the corresponding EOC assessment. See section 1008.22(3)(b)6., F.S. STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC PAGE: 3
DATE: 2/15/2024
Students who earn the required credits to graduate, but fail to pass the required assessments or
achieve a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) are awarded a certificate of completion in a form prescribed
by the State Board of Education (SBE)
9
. In the 2022-2023 graduation cohort, 5,818 students earned a
certificate of completion.
10
High School Equivalency Diploma Program
The high school equivalency diploma offers students who are no longer enrolled in high school an
opportunity to earn a high school diploma by successfully passing the standard GED tests. To be
eligible for the high school equivalency diploma program students must meet the following criteria:
11
At least 16 years old and currently enrolled in a prekindergarten-12 program.
Enrolled in and attending high school courses that meet high school graduation requirements.
In jeopardy of not graduating with their kindergarten cohort because they are overage for grade,
behind in credits, or have a low GPA.
Assessed at a seventh grade reading level or higher at the time of selection as documented by
the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) reading component or other assessment to determine
grade level proficiency.
Each school district is required to offer and administer the high school equivalency diploma
examinations and the subject area examination to candidates.
12
A candidate for a high school
equivalency diploma must be at least 18 years of age on the date of the examination, except that in
extraordinary circumstances, as provided for in rules of the district school board of the district in which
the candidate resides or attends school, a candidate may take the examination after reaching the age
of 16.
13
School districts may not require a student who has reached the age of 16 to take any course
before taking the examination unless the student fails to achieve a passing score on the GED practice
test.
14
As seen in the tables below, the number of students enrolling in GED programs at both school districts
and colleges in the Florida College System (FCS) has increased since the 2020-21 school year.
15
Students enrolled in a School District GED program
School Year
Number of
Students enrolled
in a GED program
Number Students enrolled in
a GED program who are 21
years of age or less
2020-2021 5,256 2,851
2021-2022 7,499 4,123
2022-2023 8,888 5,330
Students enrolled in an FCS GED program
9
s. 1003.4282(5)(c), F.S.
10
Florida Department of Education, Florida’s High School Cohort 2022-23 Graduation Rate,
https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7584/urlt/GradRates2223.pdf (last visited Feb. 12, 2024).
11
Rule 6A-6.0212, F.A.C
12
s. 1003.435(3), F.S.
13
s. 1003.435(4), F.S.
14
Id.
15
Data provided by Florida Department of Education. STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC PAGE: 4
DATE: 2/15/2024
School Year
Number of
Students enrolled
in a GED program
Number Students enrolled in
a GED program who are 21
years of age or less
2020-2021 780 353
2021-2022 1,034 525
2022-2023 1,166 552
Existing Initiatives in Adult Secondary and Career Education
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014
In 2014, Congress passed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which superseded
the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
16
WIOA requires each state to develop a single, unified plan for
aligning workforce services through the identification and evaluation of core workforce programs.
17
WIOA identifies four core programs that coordinate and complement each other to ensure job seekers
have access to needed resources.
18
The core programs are:
Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth Programs;
Adult Education and Literacy Activities;
Employment Services under the Wagner-Peyser Act;
19
and
Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
20
In Fiscal Year 2022-2023, CareerSource Florida allocated $238 million in funding
21
and assisted nearly
64,000 job seekers in obtaining employment.
22
WIOA includes funding to provide adult education and literacy activities for individuals who are at least
16 years of age, not enrolled in secondary school, and do not have a secondary school diploma or its
recognized equivalent.
23
Adult education and family literacy activities include programs, activities, and
services that include adult education, literacy, workplace adult education and literacy activities, family
literacy activities, English language acquisition activities, integrated English literacy and civics
education, workforce preparation activities, or integrated education and training.
24
The estimated award
for Fiscal Year 2023 for basic adult education and family literacy activities in Florida is $40,506,044.
25
16
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, 29 U.S.C. s. 3101 et seq. (2014).
17
See 29 U.S.C. s. 3112(a).
18
See 29 U.S.C. s. 3102(13).
19
See 29 U.S.C. s. 49 et seq. The Wagner-Peyser Act establishes a system of public employment offices to bring together individuals
seeking employment and employers seeking workers.
20
See 29 U.S.C. s. 720 et. seq.
21
CareerSource Florida, 2022-2023 CareerSource Florida Annual Report, https://careersourceflorida.com/wp-
content/uploads/2023/12/CAREERSOURCE-FLORIDA-FY-22-23-ANNUA L-REPORT_DIGITA L.pdf (last visited Feb. 12, 2024).
22
CareerSource Florida, CareerSource Florida Celebrates 2023 Workforce Development Accomplishments,
https://careersourceflorida.com/2023/12/28/2023-workforce-development-accomplishments/ (last visited Feb. 12, 2024).
23
29 U.S.C. s. 3272(4).
24
29 U.S.C. s. 3272(2).
25
USDOE, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, FY_2023_State_Grant_Allocations_Memo, https://aefla.ed.gov/state-
grants at 2 (last visited Feb. 12, 2024). STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC PAGE: 5
DATE: 2/15/2024
WIOA also provides funds to local workforce boards to provide youth workforce investment activities
that provide:
26
Activities leading to the attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent,
or a recognized postsecondary credential;
Preparation for postsecondary educational and training opportunities;
Strong linkages between academic instruction and occupational education that lead to the
attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials;
Preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities, in appropriate cases; and
Effective connections to employers, including small employers, in in-demand industry sectors
and occupations of the local and regional labor markets.
Florida’s allotment for youth workforce investment activities under WIOA is $39,224,930 for the 2023
Program Year.
27
Perkins V
The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, as amended by the Strengthening
Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), assists states and outlying areas
in expanding and improving career and technical education (CTE) in secondary schools, technical
schools, and community colleges.
28
The term “career and technical education” means organized
educational activities that:
29
Offer a sequence of courses that provides individuals with rigorous academic content and
relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers.
Include competency-based, work-based, or other applied learning that supports the
development of academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work
attitudes, employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of
all aspects of an industry, including entrepreneurship, of an individual.
To the extent practicable, coordinate between secondary and postsecondary education
programs through programs of study that provide postsecondary credit or advanced standing.
May include career exploration at the high school level or as early as the middle grades.
Florida received $82,363,333 under Perkins V for Fiscal Year 2023.
30
Florida Workforce Education
“Workforce education” is adult general education or career education and may consist of a continuing
workforce education course or a program of study leading to an occupational completion point, a career
certificate, an applied technology diploma, a career degree, or a registered apprenticeship certificate of
completion.
At the postsecondary level, the terms “workforce education” and “workforce education program”
include:
31
Adult general education programs designed to improve the employability skills of the state’s
workforce.
32
Career certificate programs, which are defined as a course of study that leads to one completion
point.
33
26
29 U.S.C. s. 3164(c)(1)(C).
27
USDOL, ETA, WIOA Youth Activities State Allotments (2023),
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ETA/budget/pdfs/23you%24.pdf (last visited Feb. 12, 2024).
28
20 U.S.C. s. 2301 et seq.
29
20 U.S.C. s. 2302(5).
30
USDOE, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Final_Program_Memo-
Estimated_FY_2023_Perkins_State_Allocations, https://s3.amazonaws.com/PCRN/docs/Final_Program_Memo-
Estimated_FY_2023_Perkins_State_Allocations.pdf (last visited Feb. 12, 2024).
31
s. 1011.80(1), F.S.
32
s. 1011.80(1)(a), F.S.
33
s. 1004.02(20), F.S. STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC PAGE: 6
DATE: 2/15/2024
Applied technology diploma programs.
Continuing workforce education courses.
Degree career education programs.
Apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.
Adult education programs in Florida were established to encourage the provision of educational
services that will enable adults to acquire:
34
The basic skills necessary to attain basic and functional literacy.
A high school diploma or successfully complete the high school equivalency examination.
An educational foundation that will enable them to become more employable, productive, and
self-sufficient citizens.
The major program areas are Adult Basic Education Adult High School and GED® Preparation, and
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). These programs emphasize basic skills such as
reading, writing, math, and English language competency. Adult education programs also help adult
learners gain the knowledge and skills they need to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
35
“Adult secondary education” is a course through which a person receives high school credit that leads
to the award of a high school diploma or a course of instruction through which a student prepares to
take the high school equivalency examination.
36
An “applied technology diploma program” (ATD) is a course of study that is part of a technical degree
program, is less than 60 credit hours, and leads to employment in a specific occupation.
37
An ATD
program may consist of either technical credit or college credit. A public school district may offer an
ATD program only as technical credit, with college credit awarded to a student upon articulation to an
FCS institution. Statewide articulation among public schools and FCS institutions is guaranteed.
38
To qualify for admission to an ATD program, a student must:
39
Have a high school diploma, a high school equivalency diploma, or a certificate of completion;
or
Submit a signed affidavit by the student's parent or legal guardian attesting that the student has
completed a home education program that satisfies school attendance requirements.
40
A “career certificate program” is a course of study that leads to at least one occupational completion
point.
41
An “occupational completion point” means the occupational competencies that qualify a person
to enter an occupation that is linked to a career and technical program.
42
The career certificate program
may also confer credit that may articulate with a diploma or career degree education program.
43
The
DOE has established 29 statewide articulation agreements for career certificate programs to career
degree education programs.
44
Rural Areas of Opportunity
34
s. 1004.93(1)(a), F.S.
35
Florida Department of Education, Adult Education, https://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/adult-edu/, (last visited Feb.
12, 2024).
36
s. 1004.02(4), F.S.
37
s. 1004.02(7), F.S.
38
s. 1007.23(5), F.S.
39
Rule 6A-10.024(7), F.A.C.
40
s. 1002.41, F.S.
41
s. 1004.02(20), F.S.
42
s. 1004.02(21), F.S.
43
s. 1004.02(20), F.S.
44
Florida Department of Education, Statewide Articulation Agreements: Statewide Career Pathways,
https://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-technical-edu-agreements/psav-to-aas-as-degree.stml (last visited Feb. 12,
2024). STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC PAGE: 7
DATE: 2/15/2024
A rural area of opportunity (RAO) is a rural community, or a region consisting of rural communities,
which has been negatively impacted by an extraordinary economic event, severe distress, or a natural
disaster or presents a unique development opportunity of regional impact.
45
The Governor designates
RAOs by executive order to establish those regions as priority assignments for Rural and Economic
Development Initiative (REDI) agencies. The designation allows the Governor to waive criteria of any
economic development incentive including:
46
The Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program under s. 288.106, F.S.
The Quick Response Training Program and the Quick Response Training Program for
participants in the welfare transition program under s. 288.047, F.S.
Transportation projects under s. 339.2821, F.S.
The brownfield redevelopment bonus refund under s. 288.107, F.S.
The rural job tax credit program under s. 212.098, F.S. and s. 220.1895, F.S.
The Governor designates RAOs by executive order. The currently designated RAOs are:
47
Northwest Rural Area of Opportunity: Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson,
Liberty, Wakulla, and Washington counties, and the area within the city limits of Freeport and
Walton County north of the Choctawhatchee Bay and intercoastal waterway.
South Central Rural Area of Opportunity: DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, and
Okeechobee counties, and the cities of Pahokee, Belle Glade, and South Bay (Palm Beach
County), and Immokalee (Collier County).
North Central Rural Area of Opportunity: Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist,
Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Putnam, Suwannee, Taylor, and Union counties.
Funds for Operation of Workforce Education Programs
State funding for workforce education programs is calculated based on weighted student enrollment
and program costs, minus tuition and fee revenues, and including various supplemental cost factors.
48
To ensure equitable funding for all school district workforce education programs and to recognize
enrollment growth, the Department of Education uses and submits to the Legislature, a funding model
developed by the District Workforce Education Funding Steering Committee to determine each district’s
workforce education funding needs.
49
Continuing workforce education programs provided by district school boards or Florida College System
institutions must be fully supported by fees.
50
For fee-exempt students, such as students in an
apprenticeship program, state funding is 100 percent of the average cost of instruction.
51
Workforce Education Tuition and Fees
For programs leading to a career certificate or an ATD, the standard tuition is $2.33 per contact hour for
residents.
52
A block tuition of $45 per half year or $30 per term is assessed for students enrolled in
adult general education, which includes adult secondary education programs.
53
Each district school
board and FCS institution may adopt tuition that is within the range of five percent below to five percent
45
s. 288.0656(2)(d), F.S.
46
Florida Department of Commerce, Rural Areas of Opportunity, https://www.floridajobs.org/community-planning-and-
development/rural-community-programs/rural-areas-of-opportunity (last visited Feb. 12, 2024).
47
Id.
48
s. 1011.80(6)(b), F.S.
49
s. 1011.80(7)(a), F.S.
50
See s. 1011.80(6)(a), F.S.
51
See s. 1011.80(6)(c), F.S.
52
s. 1009.22, F.S.
53
s. 1009.22(3)(c), F.S. STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC PAGE: 8
DATE: 2/15/2024
above the standard tuition.
54
Institutions may also adopt student financial aid,
55
capital improvement,
56
and technology fees
57
for students that are not enrolled in adult general education programs. The
student financial aid fee is capped at 10 percent of tuition, while the capital improvement and
technology fees are capped at 5 percent of tuition.
58
Florida College System institution boards of trustees and district school boards are also authorized to
establish fee schedules for the following user fees and fines: laboratory fees; parking fees and fines;
library fees and fines; fees and fines relating to facilities and equipment use or damage; access or
identification card fees; duplicating, photocopying, binding, or microfilming fees; standardized testing
fees; diploma replacement fees; transcript fees; application fees; graduation fees; and late fees related
to registration and payment. Such user fees and fines may not exceed the cost of the services provided
and may only be charged to persons receiving the service.
59
The total tuition and fee estimate for district career centers for postsecondary certificate and adult
general education programs in the 2023-2024 fiscal year is $40,152,198.
60
Workforce Education Funding for Co-enrollment
School districts and FCS institutions are permitted to allow students currently enrolled in high school to
co-enroll in their Adult High School program.
61
A student who is coenrolled in a K-12 education program
and an adult education program may be reported for purposes of funding in an adult education
program. If a student is coenrolled in core curricula courses for credit recovery or dropout prevention
purposes and does not have a pattern of excessive absenteeism or habitual truancy or a history of
disruptive behavior in school, the student may be reported for funding for up to two courses per year.
Such a student is exempt from the payment of the block tuition for adult general education programs.
The Department of Education is required to develop a list of courses to be designated as core curricula
courses for the purposes of coenrollment.
62
State Financial Aid and Grant
The general requirements for eligibility of students for state financial aid awards and tuition assistance
grants consist of the following:
63
Achievement of the academic requirements of and acceptance at a state university or state
college; a nursing diploma school approved by the Florida Board of Nursing; a Florida college or
university which is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the SBE; a Florida
institution the credits of which are acceptable for transfer to state universities; a career center;
or a private career institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the SBE.
Residency in this state for no less than one year preceding the award of aid or a tuition
assistance grant.
64
Residency in this state must be for purposes other than to obtain an
education.
54
s. 1009.22(3)(d), F.S. Florida Department of Education, State Funding for Districts: 2023-24 District Workforce Education Tuition
and Fees (Attachment), https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7529/urlt/2023-24-Workforce-Education-Tuition-and-Fees-
Attachment.pdf at 1 (last visited Feb. 12, 2024).
55
s. 1009.22(6), F.S.
56
s. 1009.22(7), F.S.
57
s. 1009.22(8), F.S.
58
s. 1009.22(6)-(8), F.S.
59
s. 1009.22(10), F.S.
60
Florida Department of Education, 2023-24 District Workforce Education Funding Summary,
https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7529/urlt/2324-wf-fundingsummary.pdf at 32 (last visited Feb. 12, 2024).
61
Florida Department of Education, Memorandum: 2023-24 Adult High School Co-Enrollment Program Eligible Course List (May
23, 2023), https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7522/urlt/2324AdultHSCoEnroll-ProMemo.pdf (last visited Feb. 12, 2024).
62
s. 1011.80(10), F.S.
63
s. 1009.40(1)(a), F.S.
64
The residency requirement is specific to awards under ss. 1009.50, 1009.505, 1009.51, 1009.52, 1009.53, 1009.60, 1009.62,
1009.72, 1009.73, 1009.75, 1009.77, 1009.89, and 1009.894, F.S. STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC PAGE: 9
DATE: 2/15/2024
Submission of certification attesting to the accuracy, completeness, and correctness of
information provided to demonstrate a student’s eligibility to receive state financial aid awards or
tuition assistance grants.
Open Door Grant Program
The Open Door Grant Program is a financial aid program for students of a state college or career
center to incentivize current and future workers to enroll in an adult education integrated education and
training program or a workforce education program on the Master Credentials List that leads to a
credential, certificate, or degree.
65
In order to be eligible for the Open Door Grant Program, a student must:
66
Be a resident of Florida for tuition purposes and attest to the accuracy, completeness, and
correctness of information provided to demonstrate the student’s eligibility to receive state
financial aid awards or tuition assistance grants;
Be enrolled in an integrated education and training program, career certificate, applied
technology diploma, continuing workforce education, associate’s degree, or apprenticeship and
preapprenticeship programs included on the Master Credentials List or lead to a certification on
the Master Credentials list;
Be enrolled at a school district postsecondary technical career center, a state college, or a
charter technical career center.
A student is eligible to receive an award equal to the amount needed to cover 100 percent of the cost
for the eligible workforce education program after all other federal and state financial aid and any other
private or public financial assistance is applied. These costs may include tuition and fees, exam or
assessment costs, books, or related materials. Additionally, a student is eligible to receive a stipend up
to $1,500 per academic year to cover other educational expenses related to cost of attendance. The
awards are subject to availability of funding and stipend amounts may be specified in the General
Appropriations Act.
For the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the Legislature appropriated $35 million in recurring general revenue
funds for the Open Door Grant Program, including $15 million for District Workforce Education and $20
million for the Florida College System.
67
CAPE Industry Certification Funding List
The State Board of Education is required to adopt, at least annually, based on recommendations by the
Commissioner of Education, the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List that assigns additional full-
time equivalent membership to certifications identified in the Master Credentials List that meet a
statewide, regional, or local demand.
68
Certifications included on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List:
69
Require at least 150 hours of instruction and
Can be earned in middle and high school.
Usually require passage of a subject area examination and some combination of work
experience, educational attainment, or on-the-job training.
Unless otherwise specified in the General Appropriations Act, district workforce education programs
and FCS institutions may receive $1,000 in performance funding for each eligible postsecondary
65
s. 1009.895, F.S.
66
Id.
67
Specific Appropriation 59B, ch. 2023-239, L.O.F.
68
s. 1008.44(1), F.S.
69
Rule 6A-6.0576(5)-(6), F.S. STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC PAGE: 10
DATE: 2/15/2024
industry certification that their students earn in an academic year.
70
If funds are insufficient to fully fund
the calculated total award, they will be prorated accordingly.
71
For the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the Legislature appropriated $8.5 million in recurring general revenue
funds for CAPE incentive funds to district workforce education programs and $20 million in recurring
general revenue funds for CAPE incentive funds for Florida College System institutions.
72
Effect of Proposed Changes
The bill creates the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education (GATE) Program, GATE
Scholarship Program, and GATE Startup Grant Program to provide individuals ages 16 to 21 who have
discontinued school enrollment in traditional high school programs the opportunity to earn, at no cost, a
standard high school diploma, or equivalent, and a workforce credential.
GATE Program
The bill provides eligibility criteria for students to enroll in the GATE Program and defines the career
education programs and certificates that may be offered through the program. The bill specifies that a
student must:
Not have earned a standard high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma.
Be a resident of this state for tuition purposes.
Be 16 to 21 years of age at the time of initial enrollment.
Select the adult secondary education program and career education program of his or her
choice at the time of admission to the GATE program, provided the program is included on the
Master Credentials List. The student may not change the requested pathway after enrollment.
Maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) for career and technical education coursework.
Complete the adult secondary education program and the career education program within
three years unless the institution determines that an extension is warranted due to extenuating
circumstances.
The bill defines a “career education program” as an applied technology diploma program or a career
certificate program and defines an “institution” as a school district career center, a charter technical
career center, or a Florida College System institution.
Subject to appropriation, the bill also requires institutions to waive 100 percent of the registration,
tuition, laboratory, and examination fees and instructional materials costs after all other federal and
state aid is applied, including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and Open Door Grant funds.
Subject to the eligibility of funds, students participating in the program will also be eligible for a stipend
to cover other educational expenses related to the cost of attendance through the Open Door Grant.
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The bill provides several provisions to engage eligible students. First, when students choose to
disenroll from school, the bill requires they be made aware of the GATE program and the opportunities
it offers. The bill also requires GED candidates be made aware of the program and its eligibility
requirements. For those who have been separated for longer periods of time and may engage with a
one-stop center, the bill requires they be made aware of adult education generally, and the GATE
program specifically.
Additionally, the Department of Education will be required to develop and implement a statewide
recruitment campaign in conjunction with eligible institutions, local workforce development boards, and
other local, regional, or state initiatives that interact with the target population.
70
ss. 1011.80(7)(b) and 1011.81(2)(b), F.S.
71
Id.
72
Specific Appropriations 111 and 120, ch. 2023-239, L.O.F.
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s. 1009.895(3), F.S. STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC PAGE: 11
DATE: 2/15/2024
To provide accountability and assess the overall success of the program, the bill requires the
Department of Education to annually report the number and value of registration, tuition, laboratory, and
examination fees and instructional materials costs waived and reimbursed; and the number of students
who have obtained a standard high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma, completed an
applied technology diploma or career certificate, number of students that receive an Open Door Grant
stipend, and earned an industry certificate, while participating in the program.
The bill requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules to implement the GATE Program.
GATE Scholarship Program
The bill creates the GATE Scholarship Program to reimburse eligible institutions for registration, tuition,
laboratory, and examination fees and related instructional materials costs for students enrolled in the
GATE Program. The bill requires the GATE Scholarship Program to reimburse career centers and
Florida College System institutions at their respective in-state resident tuition rates.
Each participating institution is required to report to DOE all students enrolled in the GATE Program
during the fall, spring, or summer terms within 30 days after the end of regular registration. For each
eligible student, the institution is required to report the total reimbursable expenses by category, which
the DOE must consider in determining an institution’s GATE Scholarship Program award. The bill
requires the DOE to reimburse each participating institution no later than 30 days after the institution
has reported enrollment for that term.
The bill provides that reimbursements from the GATE Scholarship Program are contingent upon an
annual appropriation in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). If the statewide reimbursement amount
is greater than the appropriation, the institutional reimbursement amounts must be prorated among the
institutions that have timely reported eligible students.
The bill requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules to implement the GATE Scholarship
Program.
GATE Startup Grant Program
The bill establishes the GATE Startup Grant Program (grant program) within the Department of
Education (DOE) to fund and support the startup and implementation of new GATE programs. Funding
for the grant program is subject to legislative appropriation. The purpose of the grant program is to
increase access statewide to programs that support adult learners earning a high school credential and
workforce credential aligned to statewide or regional demand.
The bill tasks DOE with administering the grant program, including soliciting and funding proposals.
Only school districts and Florida College System institutions in counties that do not have programs that
are eligible for the GATE Program may apply for and receive grant program funds. Such school districts
and institutions must also be located in or serve a rural area of opportunity. The bill requires the
department to prioritize grant proposals that combine adult secondary education and career education
programs at one location or allow students to complete programs via distance learning. Pursuant to the
bill, an applicant may not receive more than 10 percent of the total amount appropriated by the
Legislature.
The bill requires DOE to make the grant application available to potential applicants no later than
August 15, 2024. Grant proposals must include the following:
The institution or institutions that will provide the adult secondary education and career
education programs;
The proposed adult secondary education program or programs the institution or institutions will
provide and projected enrollment;
The proposed career education program or programs and the institution or institutions will
provide and projected enrollment; STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC PAGE: 12
DATE: 2/15/2024
The credential or credentials associated with the career education program or programs. Such
credential or credentials must be included on the Master Credentials List;
The cost of instruction for all programs contemplated in the proposal, including costs for tuition,
fees, registration, laboratory, examination, and instructional materials costs.
Outreach strategies including local workforce development boards; and
A plan or timeline for implementing the provisions of the GATE program and enrolling students.
The bill specifies grant funds may be used for planning activities and other expenses associated with
the creation of a new GATE program, such as expenses related to program instruction, instructional
equipment, supplies, instructional personnel, and student services. Grant funds may not be used for
indirect costs. Grant recipients must submit an annual report in a format prescribed by the department.
The State Board of Education may adopt rules to administer the grant program.
Funds for the Operation of Workforce Programs
The bill increases from two to four the number of courses that may be reported for funding for a student
who is coenrolled in a K-12 education program and adult education program. The bill also removes the
requirement that the courses funded must be core curricula.
B. SECTION DIRECTORY:
Section 1: Amends s. 445.009, F.S., clarifying the services for which the one-stop delivery
system is intended to provide access to include additional specified services.
Section 2: Amends s. 1003.21, F.S., requiring a student’s certified school counselor or other
school personnel to inform the student of opportunities in specified programs,
including, but not limited to, adult education, high school equivalency
examination preparation, and the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education
Program; requiring district school boards to notify all candidates for the high
school equivalency diploma of adult secondary and postsecondary education
options.
Section 3: Amends s. 1003.435, F.S., requiring district school boards to notify all candidates
for the high school equivalency diploma of adult secondary and postsecondary
education options.
Section 4: Creates s. 1004.933, F.S., defining the terms "career education program" and
"institution"; establishing the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education
(GATE) Program; providing the purpose of the program; requiring institutions to
waive payments for registration, tuition, laboratory, and examination fees for
students enrolled in the program after all other federal aid is applied; providing
eligibility requirements; prohibiting an institution from imposing additional
eligibility requirements; requiring the State Board of Education to adopt rules
Section 5: Creates s. 1009.711, F.S., creating the GATE Scholarship Program; requiring
the Department of Education to administer the program; requiring the program to
reimburse eligible institutions for student costs; requiring participating institutions
to report to the department all students enrolled in the program; providing that
reimbursements are contingent on legislative appropriations and may be prorated
in the event that total reimbursements owed exceed available funds; requiring the
state board to adopt rules
Section 6: Amends s. 1011.80, F.S., revising the number of courses certain students may
be reported for relating to funding purposes; providing that such courses do not
have to be core curricula courses; deleting a requirement for the department to
develop a list of courses to be designated as core curricula courses.
Section 7: Creates s. 1011.804, F.S., creating the GATE Startup Grant Program; provides
the program is established within the Department of Education to fund and
support the startup and implementation of new GATE programs, subject to
appropriation; providing the purpose of the grant program; provides eligibility for
the program; provides duties to the Department of Education. STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC PAGE: 13
DATE: 2/15/2024
Section 8: Provides an effective date of July 1, 2024.
II. FISCAL ANALYSIS & ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT
A. FISCAL IMPACT ON STATE GOVERNMENT:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
B. FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
C. DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT ON PRIVATE SECTOR:
See fiscal comments.
D. FISCAL COMMENTS:
The bill’s fiscal impact is indeterminate due to the unknown number of individuals who qualify for, and
will choose to enroll in, the GATE program. However, during the 2022-2023 academic year, there were
5,882 students who were 21 years of age or younger enrolled in GED programs at career centers or
state colleges. This figure does not include the number of individuals not currently enrolled in an adult
secondary education program or career education program who may learn of the GATE Program as a
result of the statewide recruitment campaign or one of the bill’s other provisions to identify and engage
eligible students.
To the extent funding is provided, school districts and Florida College System institutions would incur
the following costs to implement the GATE Program per student:
adult education tuition & fees ($90/student);
career education program tuition & fees ($2.33/hour);
lab equipment ($1,000/per student); and
instructional materials ($500/student).
The bill requires institutions to waive 100 percent of the tuition costs after all other state and federal aid
is applied, including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds, saving students money and
providing additional access to postsecondary education. Institutions may receive a reimbursement for
the amount of costs waived. Subject to the eligibility of funds, students participating in the program will
also be eligible for a stipend to cover other educational expenses related to the cost of attendance
through the Open Door Grant. Additionally, certain institutions may apply for startup grants to establish
new GATE programs.
Total costs per student and total number of students is unknown and will vary by institution and
program type. However, for the 5,882 students enrolled in the 2022-2023 academic year, the fiscal
impact of the waivers and subsequent institution reimbursements would be approximately $6,953,441.
III. COMMENTS
A. CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES:
STORAGE NAME: h7051c.EEC PAGE: 14
DATE: 2/15/2024
1. Applicability of Municipality/County Mandates Provision:
None.
2. Other:
None.
B. RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY:
The State Board of Education is required to adopt rules to implement the bill’s provisions.
C. DRAFTING ISSUES OR OTHER COMMENTS:
None.
IV. AMENDMENTS/COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CHANGES
On February 6, 2024, the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee adopted a strike-all amendment
and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. The strike-all amendment differed from the
original bill in the following ways:
Requires institutions to waive 100 percent of tuition, registration, laboratory, and examination fees
after all state and federal aid is applied for a student participating in the GATE Program, subject to
legislative appropriation.
Changes the amount of time a student must complete the programs from three years to two years.
Creates the GATE Startup Grant Program in lieu of the GATE Student Success Incentive Fund to
increase access to programs that support adult learners and enable school districts and Florida
College System institutions in areas of rural opportunity to start and implement GATE programs.
The GATE Startup Grant Program is created within the Department of Education and is subject to
legislative appropriation.
On February 14, 2024, the Education & Employment Committee adopted one amendment and reported the
bill favorably as a committee substitute. The amendment requires a student to complete all components of
the GATE program within three years instead of two years.
The analysis is drafted to the committee substitute adopted by the Education & Employment Committee.