AN ACT Relating to an educational grant program to promote confidence, public speaking, and leadership skills in students; adding a new section to chapter 28A.300 RCW; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 28A.300 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Subject to funds appropriated for this specific purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction must establish a competitive grant program to award grants to school districts for the promotion of confidence, public speaking, and leadership skills in students in grades two through five. The grant program must be developed according to a schedule that provides school districts with sufficient time to apply for and receive grants in the 2016-17 school year.

(2) In awarding grants under this section, preference must be given to school districts that have one or more after-school, privately funded and administered programs in a majority of their elementary schools, that promote confidence, public speaking, and leadership skills in students in grades two through five.

(3) School districts applying for or receiving grants under this section are encouraged to seek partnerships with public and private entities for the purpose of enhancing student benefits and minimizing costs to recipient districts and schools.

(4) By December 1, 2018, the superintendent of public instruction must report findings and recommendations for the grant program and an assessment of whether the program accomplished established goals and should be renewed. The report required by this subsection must be submitted to the education committees of the house of representatives and the senate in accordance with RCW 43.01.036.

(5) This section expires June 30, 2019.

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