Title: G3 Entitlement Grant with the Florida Department of Children and Families - Refugee Program

Recommendation:

I recommend that the School Board approve the new grant from the Florida Department of Children and Families for Project Transition in the amount of $1,100,000 effective August 1, 2005 through July 31, 2006, and authorize the Superintendent or designee to sign all documents and contracts related to the grant which are required for implementation of the grant activities.

Description:

Consider approval of a new grant from the Florida Department of Children and Families for Project Transition in the amount of $1,100,000 effective August 1, 2005 through July 31, 2006 and authorize the Superintendent or designee to sign all documents and contracts related to the grant which are required for implementation of the grant activities.

Project Transition provides adult education, vocational training, and access to apprenticeship programs for refugees of all nationalities.  The eligible targeted populations are refugee adults with Federal I-94 forms or other documentation proving their legal eligible status in the United States. This grant will assist Limited English Proficient (LEP) refugees at all Community Schools to master English and be able to access educational and workplace systems. It will assist refugees with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful employment, leading to economic self-sufficiency and effective citizenship.

Project Transition assists the eligible targeted population by providing tuition for vocational programs, as well as the purchase of books, materials, and supplies for use in ESOL, vocational, and apprenticeship programs.

The Manager of Adult Education and Community Education will monitor this program internally to ensure compliance with all state and federal requirements.  In addition, a representative from the Department of Children and Families Office of Refugee Resettlement will conduct an annual evaluation/monitoring process.  The evaluation will include a review of student records, including student performance and completion rates.

Financial Impact:
The financial impact to the District is a $1,100,000 increase to the Special Revenue - Other Funds budget for FY06.  These are Workforce Development related grant funds and not part of the K-12 FTE funding.  There is no capital impact.  These funds are allocated to the Office of Adult and Community Education's budget from the Department of Children and Families.  All grant related expenditures are authorized for payment up to the amount of revenue. 

For Additional Information, contact:
Ann Killets(akillets@palmbeach.k12.fl.us)
E. Wayne Gent

Attachments (list):
Datapanel Project Transition 2005.doc
Refugee Program Grant.doc
Q&AG3.doc