2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 17 - Public School Opportunities Enhancement Program › Section 7-1703 - Public School Opportunities Enhancement Grant

(a)    There is a Public School Opportunities Enhancement Grant in the Program.
(b)    (1)    The Department shall develop and administer the grant program to assist:
(i)    Local school systems, community schools, and nonprofit organizations in the State in expanding or creating extended day and summer enhancement programs; and
(ii)    Nonprofit organizations in the State and community schools in expanding or supporting existing educational programming during the school day.
(2)    (i)    The Department shall establish policies and procedures for the administration of the grant program, including:
1.    The grant application process; and
2.    Criteria for awarding grants under this subtitle.
(ii)    When awarding grants to nonprofit organizations, the Department shall give priority to:
1.    Maryland–based nonprofit organizations; and
2.    Nonprofit organizations operating in Maryland on or before July 1, 2016.
(c)    (1)    A local school system, community school, or a nonprofit organization may apply to the Department for a grant to:
(i)    Expand or create an extended day and summer enhancement program;
(ii)    Expand or create a summer enhancement program; or
(iii)    Establish new educational or recreational partnerships with:
1.    Local parks and recreation departments;
2.    Recreation councils;
3.    Local public schools;
4.    Public libraries;
5.    Institutions of higher education;
6.    Private sector businesses; and
7.    Other nonprofit organizations and foundations.
(2)    A nonprofit organization may apply to the Department for a grant to support existing educational programming during the school day, including the recruitment, training, and ongoing professional development of new teachers.
(3)    A public school is encouraged to partner with nonprofit organizations to provide extended school day and summer enhancement programs for their students.
(d)    (1)    To qualify for a grant awarded in accordance with this subtitle, a grantee shall provide the services listed in subsection (c) of this section in a county in which at least 50% of public school students as a percentage of full–time equivalent students as defined in § 5–202 of this article qualify for a free lunch under the National School Lunch Program.
(2)    The total amount of grants awarded shall be allocated to grantees proportionally based on the number of public schools in each county that meet the eligibility requirement in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(e)    (1)    The Department shall select applications that:
(i)    Best incorporate features that will have a positive measurable impact on the conditions of well–being for children and youth as identified by the Maryland Out–of–School Time Programs’ Quality Standards Framework;
(ii)    For extended day programs, best integrate an educational component that will assist students in meeting academic requirements on grade level;
(iii)    For summer enhancement programs:
1.    Provide learning and enrichment activities that will assist students in achieving at or above grade level in the next school year; and
2.    Expose students to future learning and life opportunities; and
(iv)    For educational programming during the school day, enhance:
1.    The educational purpose of the school; or
2.    Students’ access to physical, social, and emotional support.
(2)    The Department shall give priority to applications that illustrate the ability to leverage private and existing funding sources.
(f)    (1)    A grantee that receives a grant under subsection (c)(1) of this section shall ensure that an extended school day or summer enhancement program includes an educational component.
(2)    A grantee that receives a grant under this subtitle shall provide educational programs that are aligned with the Maryland College and Career–Ready Standards.
(g)    A local school system that receives a grant under this subtitle shall provide matching funds that are at least equal to the amount of the grant awarded.
(h)    If a grantee partners with an entity listed in subsection (c)(1)(iii) of this section, the Department shall ensure that the grantee administers any grants awarded in accordance with this subtitle.