FL H0353

Creates the Charter Technical Career Center Associate in Applied Science and Associate in Science Degrees Program to authorize charter technical career centers to offer associate degree programs addressing local workforce needs.

Charter technical career centers may submit proposals to the State Board of Education to offer specified associate degrees through partnerships with community colleges or with direct authority to award degrees.

Board may approve proposals on a limited basis if unmet workforce needs exist and facilities, faculty, and resources are available; board must adopt rules establishing annual proposal timelines and requiring commissioner recommendations.

Participating centers cannot request additional funding for initial implementation and start-up costs for 2 years after authorization; operational costs must be funded at the same level as workforce development programs.

Participating centers must maintain open-door admissions, accept general education credits from accredited colleges, and keep postsecondary career and workforce education as their primary mission; approved centers may use the designation "technical college."