R277-618-3. Application and Scoring Criteria

(1) Subject to legislative appropriation, an LEA may apply for the teen center grant. (2) An LEA's application shall include the following: (a) capacity of the LEA to staff the center with a FSW that will provide wrap-around services for the students; (b) a demonstration of the ability to provide students, including students experiencing homelessness, with assistance, guidance, and connection to necessary resources; (c) the ability to provide the services within the center, that may include: (i) a food pantry that is community-based allowing access to food services; (ii) showers and hygiene necessities; (iii) laundry facilities, including a washer and dryer; (iv) academic advisement, including: (A) FAFSA applications for grants and loans; and (B) work study funds available at universities and tech colleges; (v) collaboration with community partners to provide access to: (A) mental, dental, medical, and vision services; (B) wellness space and resources; (C) spiritual and religious resources; and (D) technical job training before graduation; (d) readiness of facilities to house a teen center at an eligible school, including general construction plans, if required; (e) quantitative or qualitative data to demonstrate the need for a teen center; (f) a budget outlining the intended use of the grant funds; (g) a timeline for achieving an operational teen center; and (h) ability to maintain and keep the teen center operational over time. (3) An LEA shall apply for the grant in a form and within the deadlines specified by the Superintendent. (4) An LEA's application shall be scored and ranked by the Superintendent based upon the overall: (a) demonstrated need for a teen center; (b) quality of the budget proposal and timeline as described in Subsection (2); and (c) capacity to maintain an operational teen center, as described in Subsection (2). (5) The Superintendent may prioritize schools that: (a) serve any grade between 9-12; or (b) prioritize services for students experiencing homelessness. (6) The Superintendent shall select and notify grant awardees within 30 days of the application deadline.