53F-5-204. Initiative to strengthen college and career readiness.
(1) As used in this section: "College and career counseling" means: nurturing college and career aspirations; assisting students in planning an academic program that connects to college and career goals; providing early and ongoing exposure to information necessary to make informed decisions when selecting a college and career; promoting participation in college and career assessments; providing financial aid information; and increasing understanding about college admission processes. "LEA" or "local education agency" means a school district or charter school.
(2) There is created the Strengthening College and Career Readiness Program, a grant program for LEAs, to improve students' college and career readiness through enhancing the skill level of school counselors to provide college and career counseling.
(3) The state board shall: on or before August 1, 2015, collaborate with the Utah Board of Higher Education, and business, community, and education stakeholders to develop a certificate for school counselors that: certifies that a school counselor is highly skilled at providing college and career counseling; and is aligned with the Utah Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Program as defined in rules established by the state board in accordance with; Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act subject to legislative appropriations, award grants to LEAs, on a competitive basis, for payment of course fees for courses required to earn the certificate developed by the state board under Subsection; and (3)(a) in accordance with, make rules specifying: Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act procedures for applying for and awarding grants under this section; criteria for awarding grants; and reporting requirements for grantees.
(4) An LEA that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant for payment of course fees for courses required to attain the certificate as determined by the state board under Subsection. (3)(a)