(a)

(1) A public school district, licensed youth development program, license-exempt youth development program, or an applicant that partners with a public school district, licensed youth development program, or license-exempt youth development program may apply for a Positive Youth Development Grant.

(2) A program is not required to be affiliated with a school district to be eligible to receive funding under this section.

(b) Each applicant for a positive youth development grant shall:

(1) Complete and submit the appropriate application developed by the Department of Education in collaboration with the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education;

(2) Submit documentation of strong community engagement and collaboration between schools, public institutions, private agencies, business, and faith-based and other community-based organizations working together to utilize the unique skills and resources to create a community learning environment; and

(3)

(A) Provide matching funds in the ratio of twenty to eighty (20:80), unless the applicant is granted a waiver by the division.

(B) The division may waive the required matching funds if:

(i) The applicant operates or will operate the program within the geographic boundaries of a public school district that contains at least one (1) school identified as targeted or comprehensive by the Department of Education; and

(ii) The division determines that the applicant is unable to provide the matching funds, after exhausting all potential funding sources.

(C) The matching funds may consist of cash or appropriate in-kind services.

(c) Preference shall be given to applications that:

(1) Are developed collaboratively by public and nonpublic schools and private community based programs;

(2) Contain accountability systems and measurable outcomes under guidelines developed by the department in consultation with the division;

(3) Detail funds received from all public sources for existing programs, the types of existing programs, and the types of students served by existing programs; and

(4) Increase comprehensive positive youth development programs during the school year and summer.

(d)

(1) If the number of qualified applicants exceed the amount of available funding, the department, after consultation with the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission, shall determine funding distribution.

(2) If there is a funding shortage, priority consideration shall be given to programs in communities where:

(A) A public school district has fifty percent (50%) or more students eligible for free and reduced lunches; and

(B) A public school district has been identified to receive Level 5 -- Intensive support from the department.

(e)

(1) Grants shall be three-year awards to be distributed annually, as determined by the division.

(2) Grants may be renewable for positive youth development programs that meet adequate performance levels as developed by the department.

(3) Grants are subject to the availability of funds each fiscal year.

(f) Grant funds may be used for:

(1) Services that include children and youth with disabilities in programs that also serve nondisabled children and youth;

(2) Services that include children and youth where English is a second language;

(3) Technical assistance and planning to assist communities seeking to establish quality youth development programs by building community collaboration and partnerships; and

(4) A variety of activities including without limitation:

(A) Academic supports and skill-building activities that link program content to the frameworks promulgated by the department;

(B) Activities that improve the health and wellness of children and youth, including physical activities, nutrition and health education, and safety;

(C) Art, theater, and music programs developed in collaboration with local arts or cultural programs;

(D) Activities that address cultural diversity and inclusion;

(E) Service learning or community service experiences;

(F) Workforce development activities that link academic curriculum to actual work experiences;

(G) Leadership development, mentoring, and other services to disconnected youth;

(H) Enrichment activities not otherwise provided during the school day; and

(I) Family and community engagement.