Florida bill clears committee creating ‘alternative’ program to high school diploma for credentials
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Florida bill working to increase access to career and technical education for students passed a Senate committee Tuesday.
Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, chairs the committee that filed the legislation, SB 7032.
It passed the Senate Committee on Postsecondary Education unanimously, 8-0.
The legislation creates the GATE program, or the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education Program, in the Florida Department of Education, which would apply to students aged 16 to 21.
To qualify for the GATE program, Florida resident students must not have a standard high school diploma, or equivalent; must be enrolled in an “adult secondary education program and a career education program at a college, career center, or a charter technical career center”; and must choose a Career and Technical Education Pathway or Program.
Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, praised the legislation, saying Florida should have “resources in place to help young people” who decided to not pursue “traditional high school.”
“Thankfully, over the last several years we have seen a decrease in the number of teens who are not in school or working,” she said. “However, Florida has a job for anyone who wants one and the earlier we can reach a teen who has left high school the better chance that young person has to thrive in a meaningful career.”
Grall said the legislation helps students who have “challenges” in obtaining a traditional high school diploma.
“The GATE program will provide students who have left high school before graduation the opportunity to access high-quality workforce education programs that can help them earn industry-recognized credentials that lead to good jobs, at no cost to the students,” she said.
The bill also establishes the “GATE Scholarships Program” to help reimburse institutions, and creates the “GATE Program Student Success Incentive Fund” rewarding districts and schools for student success in the GATE program.
