In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Community school” means an existing public school in the State that utilizes a community school strategy that is recognized by the Maryland Out of School Time Network. “Extended day and summer enhancement program” means an educational and recreational enrichment program for children between the ages of 4 and 19 that takes place: Before and after the school day; On weekends and holidays; and During vacations and summer breaks. “Grantee” means a local school system, a community school, or a nonprofit organization that receives a Public School Opportunities Enhancement Grant from the Department. “Nonprofit organization” means an organization that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. “Program” means the Public School Opportunities Enhancement Program. “Technical assistance” means assistance provided by the Department to: Identify and implement effective practices for extended day and summer enhancement programs; Ensure that extended day and summer enhancement programs comply with the Maryland Out–of–School Time Programs’ Quality Standards Framework; and Ensure that extended day and summer enhancement programs have an educational component that is age appropriate and aligned with the Maryland College and Career Ready standards.

There is a Public School Opportunities Enhancement Program. The Department shall administer the Program. The Department shall consult with the Department of Natural Resources when reviewing the recreational components of an extended day and summer enhancement program. On or before December 1, 2016, the Department, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, shall develop a comprehensive plan for extended day and summer enhancement programs. The comprehensive plan required by subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall address: Leveraging public and private funding sources as well as federal funding sources to support extended day and summer enhancement programs; The special needs of children with disabilities; Using school buildings, public libraries, and local public transportation resources for extended day and summer enhancement programs; Providing technical assistance to nonprofit organizations; Expanding the number of high quality extended day and summer enhancement programs in the State; and Integrating the plans developed by local jurisdictions to expand the number of high quality extended day and summer enhancement programs. On or before December 1, 2017, and each year thereafter, the Department, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, shall review and update the comprehensive plan required in paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection. The Department shall use the Maryland Out–of–School Time Programs’ Quality Standards Framework to monitor and assess the quality of the extended day and summer enhancement programs provided by nonprofit organizations that receive funding in accordance with this subtitle. The Maryland Out–of–School Time Programs’ Quality Standards Framework does not supersede applicable child care center licensing regulations.

There is a Public School Opportunities Enhancement Grant in the Program. The Department shall develop and administer the grant program to assist: Local school systems, community schools, and nonprofit organizations in the State in expanding or creating extended day and summer enhancement programs; and Nonprofit organizations in the State and community schools in expanding or supporting existing educational programming during the school day. The Department shall establish policies and procedures for the administration of the grant program, including: The grant application process; and Criteria for awarding grants under this subtitle. When awarding grants to nonprofit organizations, the Department shall give priority to: Maryland–based nonprofit organizations; and Nonprofit organizations operating in Maryland on or before July 1, 2016. A local school system, community school, or a nonprofit organization may apply to the Department for a grant to: Expand or create an extended day and summer enhancement program; Expand or create a summer enhancement program; or Establish new educational or recreational partnerships with: Local parks and recreation departments; Recreation councils; Local public schools; Public libraries; Institutions of higher education; Private sector businesses; and Other nonprofit organizations and foundations. 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. A public school is encouraged to partner with nonprofit organizations to provide extended day and summer enhancement programs for their students. 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. 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. The Department shall select applications that: 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; For extended day programs, best integrate an educational component that will assist students in meeting academic requirements on grade level; For summer enhancement programs: Provide learning and enrichment activities that will assist students in achieving at or above grade level in the next school year; and Expose students to future learning and life opportunities; and For educational programming during the school day, enhance: The educational purpose of the school; or Students’ access to physical, social, and emotional support. The Department shall give priority to applications that illustrate the ability to leverage private and existing funding sources. 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. A grantee that receives a grant under this subtitle shall provide educational programs that are aligned with the Maryland College and Career–Ready Standards. 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. 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.

For fiscal year 2018, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $2,500,000 to the Program. For fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $3,000,000 to the Program. A grantee that remains eligible for the Program shall receive a grant in the next fiscal year in an amount equal to the grant amount in the current fiscal year.

On or before December 31 of each year, the Department shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the implementation of the Program, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of the programs and services funded in accordance with this subtitle.

The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.