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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A bill aimed at providing a path to higher education for high school dropouts was backed by both the Education & Employment Committee and the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday.
The bill, HB 7051, would create the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education (GATE) Program, GATE Scholarship Program, and GATE Startup Grant Program for people ages 16 to 21 who dropped out of high school.
These programs would provide a cost-free alternative to earning a diploma or workforce credential and would require postsecondary career centers and institutions in the Florida College System to waive 100% of their tuition fees and instructional materials costs, giving the student a chance to earn a higher education for free.
To be eligible for the GATE programs, a student must have the following:
- Not have earned a standard high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma.
- Be a resident of this state for tuition purposes.
- Be 16 to 21 years of age at the time of initial enrollment.
- Select the adult secondary education program and career education program of his or her choice at the time of admission to the GATE program, provided the program is included on the Master Credentials List. The student may not change the requested pathway after enrollment.
- Maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) for career and technical education coursework.
- Complete the adult secondary education program and the career education program within two years unless the institution determines that an extension is warranted due to extenuating circumstances.
The bill would require all students to be made aware of the GATE programs when they choose to drop out of high school and would require the Department of Education to implement a statewide campaign to raise awareness.
The bill needs full approval from the Florida House of Representatives before it can go into effect. If approved, it would take effect on July 1.