Sec. 64d.

(1) From the general fund appropriation under section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $2,300,000.00 for 2018-2019 for a grant to provide information technology education opportunities to students attending schools operating grades K-12, career and technical centers and career academies, and community colleges and universities. It is the intent of the legislature that 2018-2019 is the second of 3 years of funding for the grant program. Funds allocated under this section shall be used for instruction in information technology skills and competencies that are essential for the workplace and requested by employers and shall allow participating students and faculties to secure broad-based information technology certifications and, if applicable, college credit.

(2) The department shall select the provider that received funding under this section in 2017-2018. A program funded under this section must include at least the following components:

(a) Research- and skill-development-based and information technology curriculum.

(b) Online access to the curriculum.

(c) Instructional software for classroom and student use.

(d) A program that includes coding curriculum and material that are aligned to the CS AP exam and grants a certificate upon completion of the program.

(e) Components for all grade levels on computational thinking skills development using the latest gaming software.

(f) A process for students to obtain certifications of skills and competencies in a broad base of information technology-related skill areas.

(g) Professional development for faculty.

(h) Implementation and program support, including, but not limited to, integration with current curriculum standards.

(i) Methods for students to earn college credit.

(3) The funds allocated under this section for 2018-2019 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2018-2019 are to be carried forward into 2019-2020. The purpose of the work project is to continue to provide information technology education opportunities described in this section. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2020.

History: Add. 2017, Act 108, Eff. Oct. 1, 2017 ;-- Am. 2017, Act 143, Imd. Eff. Nov. 2, 2017 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 265, Eff. Oct. 1, 2018 Compiler's Notes: Former MCL 388.1664d, which pertained to contract to provide information technology education opportunities, was repealed by Act 85 of 2015, Eff. Oct. 1, 2015.