Section 327.NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered](1) The Department of Education shall establish and administer the Summer Learning Grant program.(2) Under the grant program, the department shall award grants for summer learning programs that are provided to incoming kindergarten students through outgoing grade 12 students. A summer learning program is eligible for a grant if the program meets all three of the following requirements:(a) The program provides academic enrichment by: (A) Using a variety of learning strategies that align with academic content standards adopted under ORS 329.045 and focused on mathematics, science, language arts or personal financial education and that, when appropriate, assist with credit recovery; and(B) As appropriate, assisting with school readiness and providing transition supports prior to kindergarten, prior to middle school, through the middle and high school grades or after high school graduation.(b) The program provides youth development by using a broad array of well-rounded enrichment opportunities that: (A) Include hands-on, inquiry-based and project-based learning, which may include access to the arts; and(B) Support students' mental, emotional and social well-being.(c) The program provides equitable access, outreach and engagement by:(A) Using culturally and linguistically responsive approaches to student academic success and well-being; and(B) Engaging families as partners in students' academic success.(3) In addition to the requirements prescribed by subsection (2) of this section, a summer learning program must be provided for a minimum of 80 total hours for each session of the program. Calculations made under this subsection may include hours provided by an entity with which a partnership has been entered, as described in subsection (4)(c) of this section.(4)(a) Any school district, education service district or public charter school, or any combination thereof, may apply to receive a grant under this section for a summer learning program.(b) The department shall award a grant to an applicant based on whether the applicant meets the requirements for the grant. An application for a grant must include: (A) A description of the summer learning program and how the program satisfies the requirements described in subsections (2) and (3) of this section.(B) Documentation that the applicant has a plan for summer learning, which may include: (i) A plan developed under ORS 327.185 to receive a grant from the Student Investment Account;(ii) An early literacy success plan developed under ORS 327.831 to receive a grant under the Early Literacy Success School Grant program;(iii) A plan developed under ORS 327.883 to receive a grant under the High School Graduation and College and Career Readiness Act; or(iv) A plan developed as required to receive federal funding, as identified by the State Board of Education by rule.(C) A description of how the grant will be used with other funding sources available to the applicant.(c)(A) An applicant for a grant may enter into a partnership with one or more entities to provide a summer learning program that is funded by a grant under this section.(B) Entities with which an applicant may enter into a partnership include a school district, an education service district, a federally recognized Indian tribe in this state, a community-based organization, a unit of local government as defined in ORS 190.003 or a local service district as defined in ORS 174.116.(C) If an applicant applies for a grant based on a plan that includes a partnership with an entity identified in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the applicant must provide with the application a written letter of support from the entity. The letter must include a description of services to be provided by the entity and the budget of the entity for the provision of those services.(5)(a) The department shall award grants under this section based on a formula established by the State Board of Education by rule.(b) When awarding grants, the department shall: (A) Prioritize funding for summer learning programs that serve student groups that have historically experienced academic disparities, as described in ORS 327.180 (2)(b).(B) Encourage and support partnerships with entities identified in subsection (4)(c)(B) of this section to provide expanded learning opportunities during nonschool hours.(c) The department shall establish the process and timelines for awarding a grant under this section. The process must be communicated on the department's website and be easily accessible by applicants.(6)(a) Grants awarded under this section may be used for all expenses related to:(A) Providing personnel and staffing for a summer learning program, including professional development.(B) Providing summer learning, including curriculum, technology and other supplies.(C) Contracting with third parties to provide a summer learning program.(D) Providing incentives and removing barriers to student participation in a summer learning program.(E) Providing facilities that will support and accommodate a summer learning program.(F) Providing student transportation for a summer learning program.(G) Providing nutritious snacks and meals to participants of a summer learning program.(H) Engaging family members in summer learning program activities.(b) As provided by rule of the State Board of Education, a recipient of a grant received under this section may use a percentage of the grant moneys for administrative expenses. The rules shall: (A) Provide for the use of grant moneys for the administrative expenses of both the applicant and any entities with which the applicant has entered into a partnership to provide a summer learning program; and(B) Limit the percentage of grant moneys that may be used for administrative expenses, as allowed under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, to no more than a total of 10 percent of the grant amount.(7) In administering the grant program, the department shall minimize administrative barriers for grant recipients while retaining accountability for resources allocated and spent. Recipients of a grant must provide to the department a report that includes: (a) The number and demographics of students served by the summer learning program;(b) Activities of the summer learning program;(c) Information regarding staffing levels of the summer learning program and training provided to staff of the summer learning program;(d) A description of how activities of the summer learning program supported the requirements described in subsection (2) of this section; and(e) A report on three or more of the following outcome areas:(A) Perception surveys of the summer learning program, as provided by students, staff and families;(B) Qualitative data and stories of impact for the summer learning program;(C) Credits earned by participants of the summer learning program, if applicable;(D) Participation of the summer learning program provider in site visits, interviews or focus groups; or(E) Summer learning program evaluations by a third party.(8) The State Board of Education may adopt any rules necessary for the administration of this section.Added by 2024 Ch. 6,§ 2, eff. 3/12/2024.