R277-731-1. Authority and Purpose

(1) This rule is authorized by: (a) Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3, which vests general control and supervision over public education in the Board; (b) Subsection 53E-3-401(4), which allows the Board to make rules to execute the Board's duties and responsibilities under the Utah constitution and state law; (c) Section 53F-5-224, which: (i) establishes the Applied Professional Education Experience (APEX) Grant Program; and (ii) requires the State Board of Education to make rules to implement the program; and (d) Section 53F-9-204, which describes legislative appropriation for the program. (2) The purpose of this rule is to establish standards and procedures for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to qualify for and administer funds from the APEX Grant Program to create new or expand existing catalyst centers to enhance career readiness and align students' skills with Utah's workforce needs.