(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2)    “CTE” means Career and Technology Education.

(3)    “Grant” means the Career and Technology Education Innovation Grant.

(b)    (1)    There is a Career and Technology Education Innovation Grant.

(2)    The purpose of the Grant is to provide funds to develop and implement a CTE curriculum framework and pathway that is innovative and includes best practices that are used by the best CTE programs around the world.

(3)    The Department shall administer the Grant.

(c)    (1)    (i)    A county board or a community college may submit a proposal to the Department to receive a grant for a CTE pathway that is in furtherance of the purpose of the Grant.

(ii)    To be eligible for a grant, an application shall identify a partnership with at least one county board, one community college, and one industry partner to develop an innovative CTE pathway that:

1.    Is of high quality;

2.    Is aligned with the skills needed by employers;

3.    Will lead to an industry–recognized license or certificate;

4.    Creates internship or apprenticeship opportunities; and

5.    Prepares students to successfully compete in a global economy.

(2)    An application shall include:

(i)    A description of the proposed curriculum framework and pathway that is articulated between secondary and postsecondary education or training;

(ii)    A business plan that includes the estimated total cost, including any one–time or capital equipping costs, of implementing the proposed curriculum framework and pathway; and

(iii)    Any other information required by the Department.

(3)    The Department shall establish processes and procedures for accepting and evaluating applications.

(4)    The Department shall make awards in a timely fashion.

(d)    (1)    The Governor shall annually appropriate at least $2,000,000 in the operating budget of the Department for the grant program.

(2)    The Department may retain up to 3% of the appropriation required under this subsection to hire staff necessary to administer the grant program.