(a) (1) The conservancy may undertake educational projects and programs for adults and for pupils in kindergarten to grade 12, inclusive, and award grants to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and public agencies, including federally recognized Indian tribes, for the purposes set forth in subdivisions (b) and (c).

(2) A nonprofit organization, educational institution, or public agency, including a federally recognized Indian tribe, that receives a grant under this subdivision shall comply with all of the following requirements:

(A) Document increased pupil participation in its educational programs.

(B) Provide outreach to low-income, underserved, and noncoastal areas of the state.

(C) Maintain any data necessary for the evaluation of a project or program funded with a grant, as determined by the conservancy.

(3) No General Fund moneys shall be used for grants awarded pursuant to this subdivision to public educational institutions, including community colleges.

(4) An educational program for pupils in kindergarten to grade 12, inclusive, shall deliver knowledge and skills that support the State Board of Education’s adopted content standards.

(b) Educational projects and programs funded and undertaken under subdivision (a) may include all of the following:

(1) Projects and programs relating to the preservation, protection, enhancement, maintenance, and enjoyment of coastal resources.

(2) Onsite and distance learning facilities pursuant to subdivision (c), activities, and instructional programs that support the delivery of science, history, and social science content, that further paragraph (1), including any of the following:

(A) Projects and programs that assist pupils in acquiring core knowledge and developing critical thinking skills.

(B) Projects and programs that encourage pupils to have direct contact with history, including programs that focus on the history and stewardship of the ocean and coastal resources.

(C) Projects and programs that link science to technology and societal impacts, including community health, population, natural resources, environmental quality, natural and human-induced hazards, and other global challenges.

(D) Projects and programs that support social-emotional learning and development, such as team-building and leadership skills.

(c)  The conservancy may also award grants for the construction and improvement of structures and facilities used for the educational projects and programs described in subdivision (b).

(d) The conservancy shall not spend more than 10 percent of the funds received for grants for educational projects and programs under subdivision (a) for grant administrative costs, including any costs related to administering any of those projects and programs.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 701, Sec. 2. (SB 367) Effective January 1, 2020.)